" He became
so much excited, that we endeavored to soothe him by kind and
encouraging words. His father bade him amend his conduct for the future,
and he would freely forgive and forget the past. In my piety for my
early friend, I almost forgot the wrong he had done, and thought only of
the loved companion of my boyhood and youth. I cannot describe my
feelings, as I gazed upon the shame-stricken young man, whom I had so
often caressed in the days of our boyish affection and confidence.
Little did I then think I should ever behold him thus. The utmost
secrecy was observed by all parties; and it was decided that we would
remain for the night with Mr. Worthing, and, accompanied by Arthur, set
out early the next morning on our homeward journey. But it was ordered
otherwise. The next morning Arthur was raving in delirium of brain
fever, brought, on doubtless, by the mental torture he had endured. Mr.
Sinclair dispatched a message, informing his wife of Arthur's illness,
and three days later she stood by the bed-side of her son. For several
days the fever raged. We allowed no stranger to watch by him, for in his
delirium his mind dwelt continually upon the past, and no one but
ourselves must listen to his words.
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