By the help of God, I will write such an answer to Aubrey as shall lead him to overcome his evil desires, and bring his dark soul out into the light of repentance and confession." The same post had brought her a short letter from Ronnie, written immediately on his arrival at Leipzig, evidently before receiving hers.
It was a disappointment to have nothing more.

As Aubrey had got a letter through after hearing the news, Ronnie might have done the same.
But perhaps, face to face with her wonderful tidings, words had altogether failed him.

He feared to spoil all he would so soon be able to say, by attempting to write.
To-morrow--the day which should bring him to her--would soon be here.
Meanwhile her reply to Aubrey must be posted to-day, and his letter consigned to the flames.
Feeling unable to go to the nursery with that letter unanswered, she sat down at once and wrote to her cousin.
"I only read your letter, Aubrey, half an hour ago.

I am answering it at once, because I cannot enter the presence of my little son, with such a letter as yours still in my possession.

As soon as I have answered it I shall burn it.
"I may then be able to rise above the terrible sense of shame which completely overwhelmed me at first, at the thought that any man--above all a man who knew me well--should dare to write me such a letter! "At first my whole soul cried out in horror: 'What am I?
What have I been?
What have I done--that such words should be written--such a proposition made--to me ?' The sin of it seemed to soil me; the burning wickedness, to brand me.