CHAPTER LXXX.
CLOUDS BREAKING.
The next morning Amy Waring came to Hope Wayne radiant with the prospect of her Aunt Martha's restoration to the world.

Hope shook her hand warmly, and looked into her friend's illuminated face.
"She is engaged to Lawrence Newt," said Hope, in her heart, as she kissed Amy's lips.
"God bless you, Amy!" she added, with so much earnestness that Amy looked surprised.
"I am very glad," said Hope, frankly.
"Why, what do you know about it ?" asked Amy.
"Do you think I am blind ?" said Hope.
"No; but no eyes could see it, it was so hidden." "It can't be hidden," said Hope, earnestly.
Amy stopped, looked inquiringly at her friend, and blushed--wondering what she meant.
"Come, Hope, at least we are hiding from each other.

I came to ask you to a family festival." "I am ready," answered Hope, with an air of quiet knowledge, and not at all surprised.

Amy Waring was confused, she hardly knew why.
"Why, Hope, I mean only that Lawrence Newt--" Hope Wayne smiled so tenderly and calmly, and with such tranquil consciousness that she knew every thing Amy was about to say, that Amy stopped again.
"Go on," said Hope, placidly; "I want to hear it from your own lips." Amy Waring was in doubt no longer.

She knew that Hope expected to hear that she was engaged.