A promise she felt to be a sacred thing; and this feeling had constrained her, even in the face of most powerful considerations, to remain true to her word.

But now, she no longer doubted or hesitated; and she was counting the hours that must elapse before her husband's return from the city, eager to unburden her heart to him.
"There is hardly time," said Fanny, "for a letter to arrive from Mr.
Lyon." "I cannot help it, my child.

Any further delay on my part would be criminal.

Evil, past all remedy, may have already been done." "I only asked for time, that Mr.Lyon might have an opportunity to write to father, and explain every thing himself." "Probably your father has heard from him to-day.

If so, well; but, if not, I shall certainly bring the matter to his knowledge." There was something so decisive about Mrs.Markland, that Fanny ceased all further attempts to influence her, and passively awaited the issue.
The sun had only a few degrees to make ere passing from sight behind the western mountains.