Sliver seated upon a moss-turf, crying bitterly.

"I am close to Sliver Crook," thought Emma, now for the first time
noticing the house not far beyond the trees. "This may be Miss Susan's
place of retirement, and I have no right here; but I cannot get away
now without being seen; and then she seems unhappy. I should be glad to
comfort her, if I could without----"

Just at that moment Susan looked up, and saw Emma, who sprang from the
rock, and running toward her, said: "I was not aware of a trespass upon
your grounds, Miss Sliver. You will pardon me. It looked so inviting
here, that I was constrained to come down from the hill."

Susan, however, did not appear at all embarrassed at being caught in
tears.

She wiped her face with her apron, and then Emma saw an open book upon
her knee. "My dear Miss Lindsay," said Susan, "it is no intrusion. I am
glad to find a congenial spirit anywhere. My joy at this meeting is
inexpressible; for now I know that there is one in this cold-hearted
place, one beside my sister Margaret, who can appreciate my feelings."

Emma was silent; for she did not understand what those feelings were,
or whether she appreciated them or not.

"Prom my childhood," continued Susan, "I have been among the people of
my race, but not of them. I have stood alone, in a shroud of thoughts,
which were not their thoughts; but few understand me, my dear, for I
live in an ideal world, and whatever calls me back to this gross
creation, makes me perfectly miserable: say, my dear Miss Lindsay, are