'I feel as though some kind friend were sympathising with me when you sing: it tells me too that, like myself, you have known trouble.' I sighed as I looked at Charlie's picture.

Her eyes followed my glance, and I saw again that tremulous motion of her hands.
'Yes, I know,' she said hurriedly; but her beautiful eyes were full of tears.

'I have always been so sorry for you.

You must feel so lonely without him.' The intense sympathy with which she said these few words seemed to break down my reserve.

In a moment I had forgotten that we were strangers, as I told her about my love for Charlie, and the dear old life at the rectory.
It was impossible to doubt the interest with which she listened to me.