She well knew that any attempt to restore their former intimacy would only diminish and destroy what little chance of happiness yet remained to him; and it may therefore be imagined with what changed eyes she read Walter Sydenham's letter from those of years ago.
There was a sound of stamping feet at the front door; and John came in, all ruddy and snow-powdered, but looking, on the whole, uncommonly cheerful.
"Well, Gracie," he said, "the fact is, I shall have to let Lillie go to New York for a week or two, to see those Follingsbees.

Hang them! But what's the matter, Gracie?
Have you been crying, or sitting up all night reading, or what ?" The fact was, that Gracie had for once been indulging in a good cry, rather pitying herself for her loneliness, now that the offer of relief had come.

She laughed, though; and, handing John her letter, said,-- "Look here, John! here's a letter I have just had from Walter Sydenham." John broke out into a loud, hilarious laugh.
"The blessed old brick!" said he.

"Has he turned up again ?" "Read the letter, John," said Grace.

"I don't know exactly how to answer it." John read the letter, and seemed to grow more and more quiet as he read it.