Then I, too, bent my head low, for hot tears stood in my silly eyes,
and, to my surprise, I felt a soft hand tuck my hair behind my ears,
caressingly. I looked up and saw a world of pity in Jane Norton's
face. When presently Gabriel left the room to fetch another volume,
I said:

"Jane, he must never know it."

"My child," she answered, speaking as softly as I had done, "there
is no fear that he should learn it from _me_."

"From me, then?" asked I; "is it so plain?"

"You are as pale as the table," she said. "Take care of yourself,
Em,--don't be unhappy, all's well."

Just then Gabriel came in, and I left soon after. You see what an
enemy I am to myself.

Good night, dearest; I am your
EMILIA.




LETTER XXV.


GRAYSMILL, January 29th.