In the quaint earnestness about religion, and the exaggerated estimate (as she thought) of the advantages which she might forfeit by marrying him, there was just enough of the workman to make them characteristic.

She wished that she could make some real sacrifice for his sake.

She was afraid to realize her situation at first, and, to keep it off, occupied herself during the forenoon with her household duties, with some pianoforte practice, and such other triflings as she could persuade herself were necessary.

At last she quite suddenly became impatient of further delay.

She sat down in a nook behind the window curtain, and re-read the letter resolutely.