ss to ask her if I
may be permitted to enlighten my mother and sister on her real history
and circumstance, just so far as is necessary to make the neighbourhood
sensible of the shameful injustice they have done her? I want no tender
messages, but just ask her that, and tell her it is the greatest favour
she could do me; and tell her--no, nothing more. You see I know the
address, and I might write to her myself, but I am so virtuous as to
refrain.'

'Well, I'll do this for you, Markham.'

'And as soon as you receive an answer, you'll let me know?'

'If all be well, I'll come myself and tell you immediately.'

CHAPTER XLVIII

Five or six days after this Mr. Lawrence paid us the honour of a call;
and when he and I were alone together--which I contrived as soon as
possible by bringing him out to look at my cornstacks--he showed me
another letter from his sister. This one he was quite willing to submit
to my longing gaze; he thought, I suppose, it would do me good. The only
answer it gave to my message was this:--

'Mr. Markham is at liberty to make such revelations concerning me as he
judges necessary. He will know that I should wish but little to be said
on the subject. I hope he is well; but tell him he must not think of
me.'

I can give you a few extracts from the rest of the letter, for I was
permitted to keep this also--perhaps, as an antidote to all pernicious
hopes and fancies.

* * * * *

He is decidedly better, but very low from the depressing effects of his
severe illness and the strict regimen he is obliged to observe--so
opposite to all his previous habits. It is deplorable to see how
completely his past life has degenerated his once noble constitution, and
vitiated the whole system of his organization. But the doctor says he
may now be considered out of danger, if he will only continue to observe
the necessary restrictions. Some stimulating cordials he must have, but
they should be judiciously diluted and sparingly used; and I find it very
difficult to keep him to this. At first, his extreme dread of death
rendered the task an easy one; but in proportion as he feels his acute
suffering abating, and sees the danger receding, the more intractable he
becomes. Now, also, his appetite for food is beginning to return; and
here, too, his long habits of self-indulgence are greatly against him. I
watch and restrain him as well as I can, and often get bitter