of it myself, till he told me--surprised me, with the unexpected
revelation. I begged that our happiness be kept a secret until my
school days were finished. This was my fatal mistake. You know our
people have few secret engagements, and if I had only allowed Mark
to speak to my father at first, then all would have been well. But
the enemy has at last overtaken me, and I fear I am conquered and
ruined forever. For some months I have thought that my step-mother
suspected my secret, and have imagined that I could detect her
intention to break the attachment if she found her suspicion to be
correct. Her every action has betrayed this intention. I have at
times vaguely hinted my trials and sorrows to Mark, but of the
extent of that woman's evil designing, he has had no conception. I
was ashamed to acquaint him fully with her true character. Would
that I had, dear Lizzie! would that I had, long ago! My fears that
Mark was being led into the subtle web of that evil woman's weaving,
and would surely be taken from me, were confirmed by his absence
from Bertha Levy's tea-party. He promised me to attend, and my
step-mother offered some inducement that kept him away. To resist
her will, one must have the strength of a Hercules.

"Lizzie! Lizzie! I cannot tell you more; the sequel of my fears is
too dreadful to unfold! Even yet, my poor heart struggles to
disbelieve it." Leah dropped her head for a moment, while a sigh
escaped her tremulous lips, and was silent.

"Go on, dear Leah. Tell me all," said Lizzie.

And Leah continued. "For a long time I have been perplexed to know
where my step-mother kept the key to a small cabinet drawer that I
believed contained my long-hidden miniature. By diligent search, I