Here she sat alone, reading and thinking, for a couple of hours, and then retired to her chamber for the night.
As was intimated in the conversation that arose upon her leaving the drawing-room, Jessie Hampton's circumstances had suffered, in a very short period, a great change.

A year before she was the equal and companion of Fanny Freeman, and more beloved and respected by those who knew her than Fanny was or ever could be; but unexpected reverses came.
The relative who had been to her as a father for many years was suddenly deprived of all his worldly goods, and reduced so low as to be in want of the comforts of life.

So soon as Jessie saw this, she saw plainly her duty.
"I cannot burden my uncle," said she resolutely to herself.

"He has enough, and more than enough, to bear up under, without the addition of my weight." Thoughtfully she looked around her; but still in doubt what to do, she called upon a lady named Mrs.Carlton, who was among the few whose manner towards her had not changed with altered fortune, and frankly opened to her what was in her mind.
"What does your uncle say ?" inquired Mrs.Carlton.

"Does he approve the step ?" "He knows nothing of my purpose," returned Jessie.
"Then had you not better consult him ?" "He will not hear of it, I am certain; but, for all that, I am resolved to do as I propose.