After All;

AFTER ALL ;

OR , THRICE WON . BY HENRY CALVERT APPLEBY , ' Eon . Librarian of the . Hull Literary Club , and Author of "A Queer Courtship , " " The Fatal Picture , " etc .,

CHAPTER XXI . " Snatched thro' the perilous passes . " —ENOCH ARDEN . IN our last chapter we left Arthur Humberton and Olivia sinking for the last time below the surface of the dark riverbut at that critical moment

, a boatman , providentially close at hand , had perceived them and caught their disappearing forms with his boat-hook , and gradually dragged them ashore , where his shouts had already attracted several persons . They were earned to a neighbouring house and every means taken to restore life to their cold , deathlike bodies . For a time the efforts used were seemingly unrewarded ,

and it was long before warmth was in any way restored to their frames . Finally , they were conveyed to their respective residences , and every restorative made use of . Humberton was very weak , but after a long sleep he was much revived ; but Olivia never regained consciousness , and her immersion caused a violent fever . Humberton was nearly crazy when he heard the news , and at the risk of his life he hastily dressed and left the house

while his nurse ' s back was turned , insanely imagining that his presence would mend matters . But he was immediately conducted back by the doctors and attendants , and it was a week before he was allowed to leave his room . The first use he made of his liberty was to go and see Mr . Phane , and inquire after his daughter , who was still unconscious and delirious , and the fever had reached a more critical height . Mr . Phane and Arthur Humberton were almost wild with anxiety , and all their conversation was in connection with Olivia .

But gradually , as days rolled on , Mr . Phane , in his gratitude to the preserver , opened his heart and spoke of old times . "Speaking of poor Olivia , " he said sadly , one night , " once , long ago , when yon were anxious to pay your intentions to her , I roughly refused you the privilege . She was only young then , and I acted as a father , but ! felt that I had been too harsh . I looked upon you ( wrongly , I now know ) as a rash , impetuous youth , who might easily change his mind ; and I admit I was purse-proud too at the timeand had great

, ambitions for my only child . I have many things for which to ask your forgiveness and many things to thank you for . M y daughter was young and beautiful ( as she 18 yet ) , and you were by no means the only one who was struck with her beauty and gentle manners , though little she saw of society . It was onl y natural , then , for me to look upon your attachment as an ephemeral one , or one which two young and inexperienced persons might form unadvisedly .

Many are the miserable couples living together in the world with uncongenial tastes and desires , and altogether unsuited for constant companionship . I bore all this in mind when I had my dear daughter ' s welfare in consideration , and I allowed the feelings of a father to carry me too far . I may now say , my dear Arthur , that I always had a liking for you , and looked upon you as a promising youth , and I am sorry I did not act kindlier towards you . "