That something serious had occurred between Angela and her brother Mrs.Wrexford realised, but she could find out nothing by questioning Angela.

Every time she asked her anything relative to her attitude Angela was silent.
One day she begged Mrs.Wrexford never to speak of her brother again.
Mrs.Wrexford respected her wishes and watched her and nursed her through her convalescence with a tender solicitude.
When O'Connell's letter came, Angela showed it to Mrs.Wrexford, together with her reply.
"Do you mind if I see him here ?" Angela asked.
"What kind of man is he ?" "The kind that heroes are made of." "He writes so strangely--may, one say unreservedly?
Is he a gentleman ?" "In the real meaning of the word--yes." "Of good family ?" "Not as we estimate goodness.

His family were just simple peasants." "Do you think it wise to see him ?" "I don't consider the wisdom.

I only listen to my heart." "Do you mean that you care for him ?" "I do." "You--you love him ?" "So much of love as I can give is his." "Oh, my dear!" cried Mrs.Wrexford, thoroughly alarmed.
"Don't be afraid," said Angela, quietly.

"Our ways lie wide apart.