When they returned, he followed to the door, and pausing there a
moment, seized the other hand, and pressed it to his lips. Then,
stealthily withdrew.
The door was barred and locked again, and once again she stood
beneath her father's roof. Not bowed down by the secret that she
brought there, though so young; but, with that same expression on
her face for which I had no name before, and shining through her
tears.
Again she thanked and thanked her humble friend, and trusted to
her, as she said, with confidence, implicitly. Her chamber safely
reached, she fell upon her knees; and with her secret weighing on
her heart, could pray!
Could rise up from her prayers, so tranquil and serene, and bending
over her fond sister in her slumber, look upon her face and smile -
though sadly: murmuring as she kissed her forehead, how that Grace
had been a mother to her, ever, and she loved her as a child!
Could draw the passive arm about her neck when lying down to rest -
it seemed to cling there, of its own will, protectingly and
tenderly even in sleep - and breathe upon the parted lips, God
bless her!
Could sink into a peaceful sleep, herself; but for one dream, in
which she cried out, in her innocent and touching voice, that she
was quite alone, and they had all forgotten her.
A month soon passes, even at its tardiest pace.
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