Henceforward I shall be quiet.

Thank you, Hilda." She was on the point of departing, but turned back again from the threshold.
"This is a terrible secret to be kept in a young girl's bosom," she observed; "what will you do with it, my poor child ?" "Heaven help and guide me," answered Hilda, bursting into tears; "for the burden of it crushes me to the earth! It seems a crime to know of such a thing, and to keep it to myself.

It knocks within my heart continually, threatening, imploring, insisting to be let out! O my mother!--my mother! Were she yet living, I would travel over land and sea to tell her this dark secret, as I told all the little troubles of my infancy.

But I am alone--alone! Miriam, you were my dearest, only friend.

Advise me what to do." This was a singular appeal, no doubt, from the stainless maiden to the guilty woman, whom she had just banished from her heart forever.