It is broad daylight, and we are both tired out." Sybil grew at once perfectly calm, and standing before her sister, as though their roles were henceforward to be reversed, said: "You have really made up your mind, then?
Nothing I can say will change it ?" Mrs.Lee, looking at her with more surprise than ever, could not force herself to speak; but she shook her head slowly and decidedly.
"Then," said Sybil, "there is only one thing more I can do.

You must read this!" and she drew out Carrington's letter, which she held before Madeleine's face.
"Not now, Sybil!" remonstrated Mrs.Lee, dreading another long struggle.
"I will read it after we have had some rest.

Go to bed now!" "I do not leave this room, nor will I ever go to bed until you have read that letter," answered Sybil, seating herself again before the fire with the resolution of Queen Elizabeth; "not if I sit here till you are married.

I promised Mr.Carrington that you should read it instantly; it's all I can do now." With a sigh, Mrs.Lee drew up the window-curtain, and in the gray morning light sat down to break the seal and read the following letter:-- "Washington, 2nd April.
"My dear Mrs.Lee, "This letter will only come into your hands in case there should be a necessity for your knowing its contents.

Nothing short of necessity would excuse my writing it.