She saw that her mother had a paper in her hand--no doubt the letter.

Now she should hear.
"I had a letter to-night," her mother went on.

"I dare say you wondered I did not open it at once.

The truth was, I saw that it was in Mr.
Leigh's writing, and I had reason to feel a little anxious as to what he might say." "Yes, mamma." Lucia could say no more; but she waited eagerly for the news that must be coming--news of Maurice.
"I shall give you the letter to read.

Bring it back to me in the morning; but before you do so, think well what you will do.