and play graces."

For a moment Lizzie and Leah stood watching the group as it formed,
and admiring the graceful movements of the hoops as they flew from
the fairylike wands of the girls. "That game is well called," said
Lizzie, as Leah caught her arm again and said:

"Come, let's walk on." Then, after a pause, she continued, "I found
your note, Lizzie, and I am sorry that I have such a telltale face;
but I am unhappy, Lizzie; yes, I am miserable, and I cannot conceal
it. I would not obtrude my sorrow upon others, but it is my face and
not my tongue that betrays me."

"Do not think, Leah, I beg you, that I would seek to pry into the
secret of your heart," responded Lizzie; "but I thought if you were
in trouble, maybe I might in some way comfort you."

"I thank you, dear, dear Lizzie, for your sympathy"--and a tear fell
from the lustrous lashes of the Jewess; "I thank you again and
again," she continued, "but nothing you can do can alleviate my
sorrow."

"Well, you can trust me for sympathy and love always, whether that
will comfort you or not, Leah; be your trouble what it may."

"Mine is no sudden grief, Lizzie; it is a long, sad story, one that
I have never felt at liberty to inflict upon any one's hearing, and
yet, I have always found you so tender and so true, that when any
additional sorrow comes to me my heart strangely turns to you for
sympathy. I know not why. Can you tell me?"