Thank you." I think that moment Richard was nearer to happiness than he had ever been before.

Poor fellow! I went down-stairs, feeling quite easy in mind, and sat down to my letter.

That threw me back into the past, for to Sister Madeline I poured out my heart.

An hour went by, and I had forgotten Richard and the library.

I was recalled to the present by hearing some books fall on the floor (the library was over the parlor); and by hearing Richard's step heavily crossing the room.