A great lady who sent her flowers and her messages without condescending to concealment.

The Major--first apologizing to me--wrote a few lines of acknowledgment, and sent them out to the messenger.

When the door was closed again he carefully selected one of the choicest flowers in the nosegay.

"May I ask," he said, presenting the flower to me with his best grace, "whether you now understand the delicate position in which I am placed between your husband and yourself ?" The little interruption caused by the appearance of the nosegay had given a new impulse to my thoughts, and had thus helped, in some degree, to restore me to myself.

I was able at last to satisfy Major Fitz-David that his considerate and courteous explanation had not been thrown away upon me.
"I thank you, most sincerely, Major," I said "You have convinced me that I must not ask you to forget, on my account, the promise which you have given to my husband.