I could not keep the truth from her. I knew it would be folly to try. So
I read straight on till I came to the words--
'He has had mountain fever, whatever that may be, and he will not
pull up again. If I can, I shall take him home to my mother'--when she
suddenly stretched out her hand, saying, 'Oh, let me read!' and I
gave her the letter. In a minute she had read it, and began almost
breathlessly--
'Listen! my life is much changed. My mother-in-law is gone; she needs
me no longer. My solicitor tells me, too, that owing to unfortunate
investments there is need of money, so great need, that it is possible
that either the estates or the works must go. My cousin has his all in
the works--iron works, you know. It would be wrong to have him suffer. I
shall give up the estates--that is best.' She paused.
'And come with me,' I cried.
'When do you sail?'
'Next week,' I answered eagerly.
She looked at me a few moments, and into her eyes there came a light
soft and tender, as she said--
'I shall go with you.
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