I know it is bad to be disappointed of an expected
inheritance, and to find out that some one else has a greater claim,
but, indeed, I would not take it to heart so, if I were you. Why, if he
is married, he may not have a family, and even if he has, he may not
utterly disinherit you, and even if he should, I would not grieve myself
to death about it if I were you! Miriam, look up, I say!"
But the hapless girl replied not, heard not, heeded not; deaf, blind,
insensible was she to all--everything but to that sharp, mental grief,
that seemed so like physical pain; that fierce anguish of the breast,
that, like an iron band, seemed to clutch and close upon her heart,
tighter, tighter, tighter, until it stopped the current of her blood,
and arrested her breath, and threw her into convulsions.
Alice sprang to raise her, then ran down-stairs to procure restoratives
and assistance. In the front hall she met Dr. Douglass, who had just
been admitted by the waiter. To his pleasant greeting, she replied
hastily, breathlessly:
"Oh, Paul! come--come quickly up stairs! Miriam has fallen into
convulsions, and I am frightened out of my senses!"
"What caused her illness?" asked Paul, in alarm and anxiety, as he ran
up stairs, preceded by Alice.
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