CHAPTER XXIV.
The month of July was near its end.
On the morning of the twenty-eighth, Carmina was engaged in replying to a letter received from Teresa.

Her answer contained a record of domestic events, during an interval of serious importance in her life under Mrs.
Gallilee's roof.

Translated from the Italian, the letter was expressed in these terms: "Are you vexed with me, dearest, for this late reply to your sad news from Italy?
I have but one excuse to offer.
"Can I hear of your anxiety about your husband, and not feel the wish to help you to bear your burden by writing cheerfully of myself?
Over and over again, I have thought of you and have opened my desk.

My spirits have failed me, and I have shut it up again.

Am I now in a happier frame of mind?
Yes, my good old nurse, I am happier.