"One who loved you before she ever saw you. One who loves you now."

"Speak, child! oh, speak!" exclaimed Mrs. Linden, turning suddenly
pale, and grasping hold of Ellen with both her hands. "Who are you?
What interest have you in me? Speak!"

"Do you love me?" asked Ellen, in a husky whisper.

"Love you! You have forced me to love you; but speak out. Who are
you?"

"Your daughter," was faintly replied.

"Who?"

"The wife of one who has never ceased to love you; the wife of
Charles Linden."

Mrs. Linden seemed paralyzed for some moments at this declaration.
Her face became pale--her eye fell to the floor--she sat like one in
a dream.

"Dear mother!" plead the anxious wife, sinking on her knees, "will
you not forgive your son? Will you not forgive me that I loved him
so well? If you knew how much we love you--how anxious we are to
make you happy, you would instantly relent."

"My child! Oh, can it be true?" This was said in a choking voice by
Mrs. Linden, as she threw her arms around Ellen and held her to her
bosom. In a few moments she withdrew herself, and fixed her eyes