She could mount and descend the stairs as lightly as a bird, in spite of her infirmity.
"Ah! truant!" she cried, as she opened the door, "you need not think to hide yourself here all night; we want you to come and help us to be happy, for I am so happy I know not what to do." Her eyes sparkled most brilliantly through those drops of joy, as different to the tears I had been shedding as the morning dew is to December's wintry rain.
"But what are you doing, Gabriella ?" she added, sitting down beside me and drawing my hand from my eyes.

"In tears! I have been almost crying my eyes out; but you do not look happy.

I thought you loved me so well, you would feel happy because I am so.

Do you not ?" "You will hate me for my selfishness, dear Edith.

I did think of you for a long time, and rejoice in your happiness.