I felt so relieved, when I saw the change in her for the better--I was so inexpressibly happy in the conviction that we were as good friends again as ever--that I bent down to kiss her, on saying goodnight.
"She put up her hand and stopped me.

'No,' she said, 'not till I have done something to deserve it.

You are more in need of help than you think.

Stay here a little longer; I have a word to say to you about your aunt.' "I returned to my chair, feeling a little startled.

Her eyes rested on me absently--she was, as I imagined, considering with herself, before she spoke.