"Master Humphrey, they say that all danger is over now, but that you
have remained here all night. I will relieve you now, if you let me.
Go and take a walk in the fresh air--it will revive you."
"I will, Oswald, and many thanks. My brother has woke up once, and, I
thank God, quite sensible. He will know you when he wakes again, and
then do you send for me."
Humphrey left the room, and was glad, after a night of close confinement
in a sick-room, to feel the cool morning air fanning his cheeks. He had
not been long out of the house before he perceived Clara coming towards
him.
"How d'ye do, Humphrey?" said Clara; "and how is your brother this
morning?"
"He is better, Clara, and I hope now out of danger."
"But, Humphrey," continued Clara; "when we came into the room last
night, what made you say what you did?"
"I do not recollect that I said anything."
"Yes, you did; you said that there were now hopes that your brother
would be able soon to quit this house, which he had been so unfortunate
as to enter. Do you recollect?"
"I may have said so, Clara," replied Humphrey; "it was only speaking my
thoughts aloud."
"But why do you think so, Humphrey? Why has Edward been unfortunate in
entering this house? That is what I want to know. Patience cried so
much after she left the room because you said that. Why did you say so?
You did not think so a short time ago."
"No, my dear Clara, I did not, but I do now, and I cannot give you my
reasons; so you must say no more about it."