But I think you remember that I was a friend of the Athels.

I am come with Mr.
Athel's leave--Mr.Wilfrid.' Emily was agitated and could not smooth her features.
'Oh, don't think I bring you bad news!' pursued the other quickly, leaning a little forward and again raising her eyes.

She had dropped them on the mention of Wilfrid's name.

'I have come, in fact, to put Mr.
Athel at ease in his mind.' She laughed nervously.

'He and I have been close friends for a very long time, indeed since we were all but children, and I--he--you won't misunderstand?
He has told me--me alone as yet--of what has happened, of the great good fortune that has come to him so unexpectedly.