"Tell no secrets to my Anna!" exclaimed the niece in
a species of horror. "That would be a death-blow to
our friendship indeed."

"Then let it die," said Miss Emmerson, coolly; "the
affection that cannot survive the loss of such an
excitement, had better be suffered to expire as
soon as possible, or it may raise false
expectations."

"Why, dear aunt, in destroying confidence of this
nature, you destroy the great object of friendship.
Who ever beard of a friendship without secrets?"

"I never had a secret in my life," said Miss
Emmerson simply, "and yet I have had many a
friend."

"Well," said Julia, "yours must have been queer
friends; pray, dear aunt, name one or two of them."

"Your mother was my friend," said Miss Emmerson,
with strong emotion, "and I hope her daughter also
is one."

"Me, my beloved aunt!" cried Julia, throwing herself
into the arms of Miss Emmerson and bursting into
tears; "I am more than a friend, I am your child--
your daughter."