Freda, with trembling hands, tore open the packet she had all this while been holding tightly clasped between them, and when she saw its contents the tears gushed forth.
She sank down upon the seat in the arbour, and the little, well-worn book fell open at a place where the page had been turned down.

It was that chapter in St.Matthew which Anthony had been reading after the departure of Garret, and the sisters devoured the words together, both deeply moved.
"O Magda, Magda, how can I bear it ?" cried Freda, laying her head upon her sister's shoulder; "I had thought to be so brave, so steadfast.

We have spoken of it, and I had thought that in a righteous cause it would not be hard to suffer.

And, in sooth, I verily believe I could suffer mine own self.

But I cannot bear for him to be alone--for him to have so much laid upon him.