Will you not open your heart to me ?" "Oh, mother!" She sobbed out the words.
"Am I not your truest friend ?" said Mrs.Markland, speaking calmly, but very tenderly.
Fanny did not reply.
"Have I ever proved myself unworthy of your confidence ?" She spoke as if from wounded feeling.
"Oh, no, no, dearest mother!" exclaimed Fanny.

"How can you ask me such a question ?" "You have withdrawn your confidence," was almost coldly said.
"Oh, mother!" And Fanny drew her arms more tightly about her mother's neck, kissing her cheek passionately as she did so.
A little while Mrs.Markland waited, until her daughter's mind grew calmer; then she said-- "You are concealing from me something that troubles you.

Whatever doubles you is of sufficient importance to be intrusted to your mother.

I am older, have had more experience than you, and am your best friend.

Not to confide in me is unjust to yourself, for, in my counsels, more than in those of your own heart, is there safety." Mrs.Markland paused, and waited for some time, but there was no response from Fanny.