"I was thinking how pale and thin she looks, and how much she has lately had to distress and cause her anxiety." "She has, indeed, and therefore the sooner we can leave Oakwood for a few months, as we intended, the better.

I have been a long and troublesome patient, my Ellen, and all your efforts to restore me to perfect health will he quite ineffectual unless I see the colour return to your cheek, and your step resume its elasticity." "Do not fear for me, my beloved aunt; indeed I am quite well," answered Ellen, not daring to look up, lest her tears should be discovered.
"You are right, my Emmeline," suddenly exclaimed Mr.Hamilton, rousing himself with a strong effort, and advancing to the couch where his wife sat, he threw his arms around her.

"You do not yet know all that our Ellen has in secret borne for your sake.

You do not yet know the deep affliction which is the real cause of that alteration in her health, which only now you are beginning to discover.

Oh, my beloved wife, I have feared to tell you, but now that strength is returning, I may hesitate no longer; for her sake you will bear these cruel tidings even as she has done.