Mother, dearest mother, oh, let me but feel that you still love me, and I will teach my heart to be satisfied with that." "But if indeed I am not harsh, tell me all, my Emmeline--tell me when you were first aware you loved Arthur Myrvin; all that has passed between you.

I promise you I will not add to your suffering on his account by reproaches.

Confide in the affection of your mother, and this trial will not be so hard to bear." Struggling to obtain composure and voice, Emmeline obeyed, and faithfully repeated every circumstance connected with her and Arthur, with which our readers are well acquainted; touching lightly, indeed, on their parting interview, which Mrs.Hamilton easily perceived could not be recalled even now, though some months had passed, without a renewal of the distress it had caused.

Her recital almost unconsciously exalted the character of Arthur in the mind of Mrs.Hamilton, which was too generous and kind to remain untouched by conduct so honourable, forbearing, and praiseworthy.
"Do not weep any more for the cruel charges against him, my love," she said, with soothing tenderness, as Emmeline's half-checked tears burst forth again as she spoke of the agony she in secret endured, when in her presence his character was traduced.

"Your father will now leave no means untried to discover whether indeed they are true or false.
Insinuations and reports have prejudiced his judgment more than is his wont.