The House on the Borderland

llars; and it was with comparatively light feelings, that I made my way up to the tower, to survey

waiting. She seemed quite herself again, and made no attempt to move away, as I approached; yet, I observed that she s

itated whether it would be safe to let her out. Finally, I told her she might go, on condition that she promised not to attempt to leave the house, or meddle with any of the

of pleasure, and a soft rapping with his tail, had kept quiet. Now, as I patted him, he made an

also with the natural kindness of my sister's heart, in taking such good care of him, in

rted the study door; her lips tightened, and I thought she paled, slightly; but that was all. Putting the tray down at my elbow, she was leaving the room

s look brighter. I've seen none of the c

her eyes, and fear; but she said nothing, beyond an unintelligible murmur of acquiescence. After that, I ke

ndeed, on the last occasion, she even ventured to address me, on her own account, with regard to some household matter that needed attention. Though this was done with an almost extraordinary timidity, I hailed it with happiness, as being the first word, voluntarily spo

e early, and took a walk through the house. All was as it should be, and I went up

able to greet me in a perfectly natural manner. She talked sensibly and quietly; only keeping carefully from any mention of

ent. In the short discussion that followed, I was surprised to gather, from my sister's remarks, that she was still under the impression that his wound had been given by the wild cat, of my invention. It made me feel

at last, left us; but, up to this time, I had refused to entertain the idea, seriously; now, however, I began to feel that there was reason for hope. It would soon be three days since I had seen any of the Things; but still, I intended

sixth days went by, quietly; without my

once more, upon his feet; and, though still very weak, h