Mr.
Hamilton and Mr.Howard listened in astonishment, for they knew not the quiet steadiness, the unwavering firmness of Ellen's private character; they guessed not the deep remorse which had been her own, nor for how long it had guided and purified her actions.

Edward had concealed his face in his hands, his arms resting upon the table, for he felt in this tale of persevering effort and self-denial, in comparison with Ellen's, as if his had sunk to nothing; the bright lustre of his sister's character dimmed even to obscurity his own.
"And have you questioned Ellis?
do you know in what manner she contrived so secretly to render her assistance ?" demanded Mr.Hamilton, with much interest.
"I have," replied his wife, "I did so that same night; for even Edward's unexpected return could not banish his sister from my mind.

She told me, that at first she did all she could to turn Ellen from her purpose; but when she found her resolution was unalterably fixed by some means to earn sufficient to repay the cause of so much distress, she entered warmly into her plan; and, with the active assistance of Robert, procured her work from the baby-linen warehouses at Plymouth.

She first began with the plainest work, but that succeeded so well, finer was given to her.

In London she worked embroidery, purchasing the materials from her own pocket-money, and consequently largely increasing her hoard.