I do because I love you, and because I want to love you more if it is possible to do so.' Miss Rowly handed her the letter.

She rose from the arm of the chair and stood beside the table as though to get better light from the candle than she could get from where she had sat.
She read slowly and carefully to the end; then folded up the letter and handed it to her aunt.

She came back to her seat on the edge of the chair, and putting her arms round her companion's neck looked her straight in the eyes.

The elder woman grew embarrassed under the scrutiny; she coloured up and smiled in a deprecatory way as she said: 'Don't look at me like that, darling; and don't shake your head so.

It is all right! I told you I had my reasons, and you said you would trust me.