Bernard's health was
greatly undermined by sorrow, and when a prevailing epidemic
fastened itself upon her, it found an easy prey. The waiting-maid
wrote immediately to Florida, and her letter was sent back to Mr.
Bernard, who, having become sobered, hastened at once to find her
place of abode. She was a very intelligent woman for one of her
class, and had taken the precaution to have the remains of her
late mistress and child deposited in such a manner that they could
easily be removed if Mr. Bernard should so desire it. He did
desire it, and the bodies were taken undisturbed to Florida, where
they now rest quietly, side by side with the proud mother and
sister, since deceased. After this Mr. Bernard became a changed
and better man, weeping often over the fate of his young girl-wife
and his infant daughter, whom he greatly loved. Other troubles he
had, too, secret troubles which he confided to me in the letter
brought by Mr. Hudson. After assuring me of his esteem and telling
me how much he should prefer me for his son-in-law to Charlie
Hudson, he added that in justice to us both he must now speak of
the horrible cloud hanging over his beautiful Nina, and which was
sure at last to envelop her in darkness.
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