Maria agrees with me thoroughly, and says in her funny way that men nowadays know too much already." Then followed an account of her wedding.
This letter Jane did not read to the doctor--no part of it, in fact.
She did not even mention its receipt, except to say that the wedding had taken place in Geneva, where the Frenchman's mother lived, it being impossible, Lucy said, for her to come home, and that Maria Collins, who was staying with her, had been the only one of her old friends at the ceremony.

Neither did she read it all to Martha.

The old nurse was growing more feeble every year and she did not wish her blind faith in her bairn disturbed.
For many days she kept the letter locked in her desk, not having the courage to take it out again and read it.

Then she sent for Captain Holt, the only one, beside Martha, with whom she could discuss the matter.

She knew his strong, honest nature, and his blunt, outspoken way of giving vent to his mind, and she hoped that his knowledge of life might help to comfort her.
"Married to one o' them furriners, is she ?" the captain blurted out; "and goin' to keep right on livin' the lie she's lived ever since she left ye?
You'll excuse me, Miss Jane,--you've been a mother, and a sister and everything to her, and you're nearer the angels than anybody I know.