But my message will not hurt him; indeed, I think it may do him good.

I want you to tell him that I have been ill, but I am getting well and strong now, and that I am with a dear friend who mothers and takes care of me, and whom I love better every day; and that I am content and at peace.

Tell him that I never forget to pray for him, and that my one prayer and wish is for his happiness; that I entreat him with all my heart not to let his disappointment shadow his life; that if he can forget me, it would be wiser and better to do so; but if he remembers, let him think of me as though I were dead, and already praying for him in paradise.
Will you tell him this ?" Malcolm was silent for a moment, then he bowed his head, and Leah saw him pencil the message rapidly in his note-book.
"He shall have it--not a word shall be missed," he said briefly.

Then he saw the tears of gratitude in her eyes.
"It will make him happier to know I am content," she whispered; "Cedric has such a kind heart." "You are right--I think that message will do him good," agreed Malcolm.
And then Leah lifted her basket and they walked back to the others.
It was during this visit to the Manor House that, in an unguarded moment, Malcolm's jealously-kept secret was betrayed to Mrs.Godfrey's sharp eyes, though Malcolm never guessed the fact then or afterwards.
They had been having tea in the alcove as usual, and the Colonel had just gone to the stables to give an order for the next day.

Malcolm had made some humorous speech or other about his wonderful agility for a man of his age, when Mrs.Godfrey remarked innocently-- "How strange that you should say that, Mr.Herrick! It is just word for word what Elizabeth said when she was last here.