"
"You are not dreaming, Miss. You are in your own chamber in Bristed
Hall."
Bristed Hall! A warm gush of gratitude pervaded my being. So I was not
friendless! I was cared for.
"Where is Mr. Bristed?" I asked after a pause.
"We have persuaded him to drive out, miss, as the doctor said you were
out of danger. Anxiety for you and grief for Herbert's death have quite
taken his strength away."
"I must get up, Mary. You must help me to dress."
"Oh no, miss!" she replied; "you are not strong enough yet."
"I am quite strong. Besides, it will revive me; I am weary of the bed,
and need a change."
She acquiesced in my wish, dressed me neatly, and smoothed my hair.
"Now, take me down," I requested. "I wish to surprise Mr. Bristed."
Of course she remonstrated, said I would bring on the fever again, and
all that; but as I persisted in my determination, she led me down the
stairs. The fresh air invigorated me; I felt every minute increased
power. At my request, she took me to Mr. Bristed's conservatory. The
bright flowers, the singing birds in their ornamented cages, and the
adjoining study with its well-filled shelves, all reminded me of the
past. Tears came to my eyes as I recalled the bitter changes I had seen
since leaving that sunny home!
CHAPTER XXII.
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