At least I conclude so, from what I know now; but I hope he does not know"-- and at such a dreadful idea I shuddered.
"I am almost sure that he can not know it," the good postmistress answered, "or he would have found means to put an end to you.

That would have been his first object." "But, Mrs.Busk," I said, being much disturbed by her calmness, "surely, surely he is not to be allowed to make an end of every one! I came to this country with the full intention of going into every thing.

But I did not mean at all, except in my very best moments, to sacrifice myself.

It seems too bad--too bad to think of." "So it is, Miss Erema," Mrs.Busk replied, without any congenial excitement.

"It does seem hard for them that have the liability on them.
But still, miss, you have always shown such a high sense of duty, and of what you were about--" "I can't--I can not.