I would not be a weeping, deserted damsel.

I would try to be strong and generous, and keep my sorrow to myself.
During this illness of mine, which lasted about a week, John came often to the Hall to inquire for me.

Good little Mrs.Hill would come into the room smiling, and say, "Rachel, you must go down to Mr.Hollingford.

He wants to hear from your own lips about your patient." And she would sit with me, talking about her dogs and the county families, till Rachel's return, who always brought me kind messages, and seemed anxious to deliver them faithfully.

I thought she always came back with signs of disturbance in her face, either very pale, or with a heightened colour.
Once I thought she looked as if she had been crying; she pulled down the blinds immediately on entering the room, and sat with her back to the light.
"Margery," said she by and by, "Mrs.Hollingford is coming to see you to-morrow." "Is she ?" said I, with a great pang at my heart.
I could not say "I am glad," for the dear old lady's true face rose up before me, a treasure I had lost, and I lay back among my cushions, and thought it would be well if I could die.
The next morning Rachel was restless and absent.