Mary Barton

Chapter 24

"Oh, sad and solemn is the trembling watch

Of those who sit and count the heavy hours

Beside the fevered sleep of one they love!

Oh, awful is it in the hushed midnight,

While gazing on the pallid moveless form,

To start and ask, 'Is it now sleep or death?'"

--ANONYMOUS.

Mary could not be patient in her loneliness; so much painful thought weighed on her mind; the very house was haunted with memories and foreshadowings.

Having performed all duties to Jem, as far as her weak powers, yet loving heart could act; and a black veil being drawn over her father's past, present, and future life, beyond which she could not penetrate to judge of any filial service she ought to render: her mind unconsciously sought after some course of action in which she might engage. Anything, anything, rather