It is true that, without your society, I shall feel as if I were in a desert, or rather, I should say, in a dungeon; for, indeed, I fear that I am about to become a prisoner in my father's house, and entangled more and more every day in the meshes of that detestable villain.

In the meantime, we must, as I said, have courage and patience, and trust to a change of circumstances for better times." "May the Lord in heaven grant them soon and sudden, for both your sakes," ejaculated Ellen.

"I pray the Saviour that he may!" "But, Ellen," said the Cooleen, "didn't you hint to me, once or twice, that you yourself have, or had, a lover named Reilly!" "I did," she replied, "not that I have, but that I had--and, what is more, an humble and distant relation of him." "You say you had.

What do you mean by that, Ellen?
Have you, too, experienced your crosses and calamities ?" "Indeed, ma'am, I have had my share; and I know too well what it is to have the heart within as full of sorrow, and all but broken." "Why, my poor girl, and have you too experienced disappointment and affliction ?" "God, ma'am, has given me my share; but, in my case, the affliction was greater than the disappointment, although that too came soon enough upon me." "Why, did not the affliction, in your case, proceed from the disappointment ?" "Not exactly, miss, but indeed partly it did.

It's but a short story, my dear mistress, and I'll tell it to you.