Though it was a simple note, and the words were few, intended only to comfort and sustain, they were of such priceless value to me, I could not bear that even Edith's eye should become familiar with its contents.

But her love and confidence were too dear to be sacrificed to a refinement of romance.
"Dear Edith," said I, putting the note in her hand, and an arm round her neck, "it was a gift of consolation you brought me;" and then I told her all that I had over-heard, and of the exceeding bitterness of my anguish.
"I know it,--mamma and I both know it,--brother told us.

I did not speak of it, for you looked as if you had forgotten it after I came in, and I did not wish you to recall it.

You must forget it, indeed you must.

Such cruel insinuations can never alienate from you the friends who love you.
They rather bind you closer to our hearts.