"I then told Rachel that in my opinion she would have done well to encourage Luke, who was a steady young man, and would no doubt have a little money.

Upon which she began weeping.

I felt rather vexed; not a word have I been able to say to her lately, but tears have been the answer; and I asked what had come to her that she should cry for every trifle as if she were heart-broken.

With that, she fell into a burst of sobs, terrifying to see, and ran from the room.

I was thunderstruck.