Helen gazed for a moment
spell-bound; for she beheld in that countenance without the
possibility of doubt, the resemblance of the deceased Lady Greville,
whose portrait, in a similar dress, hung in the picture gallery at
Silsea Castle. She shuddered; for the eyes of the spectre remained
steadfastly fixed upon her; and its lips moved as if about to address
her--"Mother of God--protect me!" exclaimed Helen convulsively, and
she fell insensible on the floor.
CHAPTER II.
"Sorrow seems pleased to dwell with so much sweetness;
And now and then a melancholy smile
Breaks loose like lightning on a winter's night
And shows a moment's day."--_DRYDEN_
On the succeeding morning, when Lady Greville recovered sufficiently
from a succession of fainting fits to collect her remembrances of
the dreadful cause of her illness, she eagerly demanded of her
attendants in what manner, and by whom, she had been placed in her
usual sleeping-room. They replied, that Lord Greville had conveyed
her there insensible in his arms; and had summoned them in great
agitation to her assistance. He had since frequently sent to
inquire after her health, and had expressed great delight when the
last message, announcing her recovery, had reached him. But he came
not himself to watch over her; and though the shock she had received,
had brought on an alarming degree of fever, which confined her for
several days to her room, he never visited her chamber.
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