So far I have kept this secret, mother, and it has been to me a painful burden.

You have promised to keep it for a single week." "And this is all ?" said Mrs.Markland, looking anxiously into her daughter's face.
"No, not all." Fanny spoke firmly.

"I have since received two letters from him." "May I see them ?" Fanny hesitated for some moments, and then going to a drawer, took two letters therefrom, and handed one of them to her mother.

Mrs.
Markland read it eagerly.
"You answered this ?" she said.
"Yes." "What did you say ?" "I cannot repeat my words.

I was half beside myself, and only begged him to let me speak to you freely." "And his reply ?" said Mrs.Markland.
"Read it;" and Fanny gave her the second letter.
"Have you answered this ?" inquired Mrs.Markland, after reading it over twice.
Fanny moved across the room again, and taking from the same drawer another letter, folded and sealed, broke the seal, and gave it to her mother.
"My poor, bewildered, unhappy child!" said Mrs.Markland, in a voice unsteady from deep emotion; and she gathered her arms tightly around her.