She could not remain quiet while she was left in such painful doubt about her dearest, well-loved Harry Norman.' How to speak of Gertrude, or how not to speak of her, Mrs.Woodward knew not--at last she added: 'The three girls send their kindest love; they are all as wretchedly anxious as I am.

I know you are too good to wish that poor Gertrude should suffer, but, if you did, you might have your wish.

The tidings of your illness, together with your silence, have robbed her of all her happiness;' and it ended thus:--'Dearest Harry! do not be cruel to us; our hearts are all with you.' This was too much for Norman's sternness; and he relented, at least as far as Mrs.Woodward was concerned.

He wrote to say that though he was still weak, he was not dangerously ill; and that he intended, if nothing occurred amiss, to be in town about the end of the year.

He hoped he might then see her to thank her for all her kindness.