between Nora and Mrs. Brudenell.

"She knew nothing of me when she met my husband, and she could not help
loving him any more than I could--any more than I could," she repeated
lowly to herself; "and so, though it wrings my heart to think of it, I
cannot blame her, Hannah--"

"My lady, you have no right to blame her," interrupted Nora's sister.

"I know it," meekly replied the wronged wife.

"You have no right to blame her, because she was perfectly blameless in
the sight of Heaven."

Berenice looked up in surprise, sighed and continued:

"However that may be, Hannah, I am not her judge, and do not presume to
arraign her. May she rest in peace! But her child! Herman's child! my
child! It is of him I wish to speak! Oh, Hannah, give him to me! I want
him so much! I long for him so intensely! My heart warms to him so
ardently! He will be such a comfort, such a blessing, such a salvation
to me, Hannah! I will love him so well, and rear him so carefully, and
make him so happy! I will educate him, provide for all his wants, and
give him a profession. And if I am never reconciled to my husband--"
Here again her voice faltered and broke down; but after a dry sob, she
resumed: "If I am never reconciled to my husband, I will make his son my
heir; for I hold all my large property in my own right, Hannah! Say,
will you give me my husband's son?"

"But, my lady--"