It might be two hours later，probably near eleven，when I- not having been able to fall asleep，and deeming，from the perfect silence of the dormitory，that my panions were all wrapt in profound repose- rose softly，put on my frock over my night-dress，and，without shoes，crept from the apartment，and set off in quest of Miss Temple"s room. It was quite at the other end of the house; but I knew my way; and the light of the unclouded summer moon，entering here and there at passage windows，enabled me to find it without difficulty. An odour of camphor and burnt vinegar warned me when I came near the fever room: and I passed its door quickly，fearful lest the nurse who sat up all night should hear me. I dreaded being discovered and sent back; for I must see Helen,- I must embrace her before she died,- I must give her one last kiss，exchange with her one last word.

Having descended a staircase，traversed a portion of the house below，and succeeded in opening and shutting，without noise，two doors，I reached another flight of steps; these I mounted，and then just opposite to me was Miss Temple"s room. A light shone through the keyhole and from under the door; a profound stillness pervaded the vicinity. ing near，I found the door slightly ajar; probably to admit some fresh air into the close abode of sickness. Indisposed to hesitate，and full of impatient impulses- soul and senses quivering with keen throes- I put it back and looked in. My eye sought Helen，and feared to find death.

Close by Miss Temple"s bed，and half covered with its white curtains，there stood a little crib. I saw the outline of a form under the clothes，but the face was hid by the hangings: the nurse I had spoken to in the garden sat in an easy-chair asleep; an unsnuffed candle burnt dimly on the table. Miss Temple was not to be seen: I knew afterwards that she had been called to a delirious patient in the fever-room. I advanced; then paused by the crib side: my hand was on the curtain，but I preferred speaking before I withdrew it. I still recoiled at the dread of seeing a corpse.