aunt was in the parlor, his countenance brightened up, and
he solicited the doctor to permit his aunt to sit by him this
night, and hinted he had better leave; which he did,
although reluctantly.
The servant then conducted Miss Lucinda Armington,
the bogus aunt, to Victor Juno's bedside.
CHAPTER IX.
VICTOR AND LUCINDA BETROTHED.
HEN Miss Lucinda Armington presented herself at the bedside of Victor Juno, he seemed to have known what was coming, he therefore spoke first, and said:
"I feel as though an angel from on high, in disguise, was before me," and took both her hands into his transparent ones, when she replied:
"Mr. Juno, I hope you will pardon me for appearing before you in this peculiar manner?"
"Certainly, my brave young lady, I feel from my inmost soul that you are here on a mission of mercy. And, if it were possible, I would relate to you what I saw in a dream last night," said Victor Juno, with a deep and exhausted sigh.
"Mr. Juno, please do not exhaust yourself; but, if you are not too weak, I will relate to you why I came here, and in this disguise," responded Miss Armington.
"Speak, O speak, sweet lady; your presence electrifies and strengthens me, and I am quite well enough to listen to anything that your charming voice may relate," quite vigorously said Victor Juno.
"Friend Juno, beg your pardon, Mr. Juno," stammered Miss Armington.
"Dear angel, use the former, and believe me that my very soul is yours, and I feel assured, by your presence at