In a low, sweet, yet unfaltering voice, she complied with her aunt's request; once only her lip quivered, for she could not sing that verse without the thought of Edward.
"The sea, the blue lone sea, hath one, He lies where pearls lie deep; He was the loved of all, yet none O'er his low bed may weep." Mr.Hamilton unobserved had entered the room, and now stood with folded arms and mournful glance, alternately regarding his wife and niece.

Mr.
Maitland had that morning told him there was not now the slightest danger remaining, and he rather advised that Mrs.Hamilton should be informed of what had passed, lest the painful intelligence should come upon her when quite unprepared.

He had striven for composure, and he now entered expressly to execute this painful task; he had marked the suffering imprinted on his niece's face, and he could continue the deception no longer.

On the conclusion of her song, Ellen reseated herself on the stool she had occupied at her aunt's feet, her heart too full to speak.
"Why are you so silent, my dear husband ?" Mrs.Hamilton said, addressing him, and who almost started at her address.

"May I know the subject of such very deep thought ?" "Ellen, partly," he replied, and he spoke the truth.