Anxiously for a few minutes did her mother watch her as she wrote.

At first her hand appeared to tremble, but a successful effort conquered that emotion, and the increasing flush upon her cheek alone proclaimed the agitation of her mind.

So deeply was she engrossed in her painful task, that she did not observe her mother had left the room, and remained absent for a few minutes, returning, however, before she had finished her letter.

Without looking up, she placed the paper in Mrs.
Hamilton's hands, and, leaning her arms on the table, buried her face in her hands.
Mrs.Hamilton folded the letter in perfect silence; but then taking the hand of her daughter from her eyes, she pressed it in hers, and said, in a voice of deep emotion-- "I am satisfied, my child.

Let this letter be directed and sealed with your own hand, and the name of Lord Alphingham shall never again pass my lips.