However, what was done could not be undone, and it behoved her now, as Anna's only protector, to help her as much as she could.

To Anna's eager request that she, Mrs.Harnham, should compose and write the answer to this young London man's letter, she felt bound to accede, to keep alive his attachment to the girl if possible; though in other circumstances she might have suggested the cook as an amanuensis.
A tender reply was thereupon concocted, and set down in Edith Harnham's hand.

This letter it had been which Raye had received and delighted in.
Written in the presence of Anna it certainly was, and on Anna's humble note-paper, and in a measure indited by the young girl; but the life, the spirit, the individuality, were Edith Harnham's.
'Won't you at least put your name yourself ?' she said.

'You can manage to write that by this time ?' 'No, no,' said Anna, shrinking back.

'I should do it so bad.