Never was such a quiet little bit of unconscious and unrecognized heroism.

She really ended by such a conquest of self that she could absolutely sympathize with the proud expectant lover, and had quenched all envy of the beloved, in sympathy with the delight she imagined Sylvia must experience when she discovered all these proofs of Philip's fond consideration and care.

But it was a great strain on the heart, that source of life; and when Hester returned into the parlour, after her deliberate survey of the house, she felt as weary and depressed in bodily strength as if she had gone through an illness of many days.

She sate down on the nearest chair, and felt as though she never could rise again.

Philip, joyous and content, stood near her talking.
'And, Hester,' said he, 'Sylvie has given me a message for thee--she says thou must be her bridesmaid--she'll have none other.' 'I cannot,' said Hester, with sudden sharpness.
'Oh, yes, but yo' must.