Maria and Agnes exchanged looks; and for the first time, a suspicion of
the probable cause flashed simultaneously across their minds. They sat
beside each other at dinner, and Maria said in a whisper:

"Agnes, you and I are thinking of the same thing."

"I am thinking of Jane," said her candid and affectionate sister.

"My opinion is," rejoined Maria, "that she is attached to Charles
Osborne."

"I suspect it is so," whispered Agnes. "Indeed from many things that
occur to me I am now certain of it."

"I don't see any particular harm in that," replied Maria.

"It may be a very unhappy attachment for Jane, though," said Agnes.
"Only think, Maria, if Osborne should not return her affection: I know
Jane,--she would sink under it."

"Not return her affection!" replied her sister. "Where would he find
another so beautiful, and every way so worthy of him?"

"Very true, Maria; and I trust in heaven he may think so. But how, if he
should never know or suspect her love for him?"

"I cannot answer that," said the other; "but we will talk more about it
by-and-by."