"I did not know it; I am afraid she will think me very remiss." I told them all about Clare, speaking, as was my fashion, with my heart upon my lips, telling them of her sweetness, her patience, her long illness, her cheerful resignation.

Agatha forgot her reserve, Lady Thesiger looked deeply interested, and when I had finished speaking, the tears were in my eyes.
Lady Thesiger held out her hand.
"You have quite touched my heart, Sir Edgar; I shall not rest until I have seen Miss Trevelyan." "Nor I," added the daughter.
I turned eagerly to her.
"You will come over to see my sister?
I should be so grateful; she would welcome you so warmly.

I have always longed for her to have a friend." There was a slight constraint in the faces of mother and daughter.

I wondered what it meant.

Lady Thesiger was the first to speak.
"We shall be delighted to do all that lies in our power to soften Miss Trevelyan's terrible affliction.