It was like intruding upon you.
But Mr.Athel assured me that I should not be unwelcome.' Emily, overcome by the sense of relief after her apprehensions, gave free utterance to the warm words in which her joy voiced itself.

She forgot all that was strange in Beatrice's manner or attributed it merely to timidity.

Sympathy just now was like sunshine to her; she could not inquire whence or why it came, but was content to let it bathe her in its divine solace.
'If you knew how it has flattered me!' Beatrice continued, with a semblance of light-hearted goodness which her hearer had no thought of criticising.

'It is the final proof of Mr.Athel's good opinion.

You know his poor opinion of conventional people and conventional behaviour.
He is determined that no one shall be told till--till after Wednesday--making me the sole exception, you see.