"What is the meaning of this, Ellen? Explain yourself
immediately. Speak if you do not wish me to leave you in
anger," he added, with his hand on the handle of the door.

"Oh, for God's sake, for mercy's sake, do not go now! do not
leave me in this way!"

"Then speak!" he rejoined almost fiercely; "give some
explanation of an act which I cannot understand or forgive."

"I thought--I fancied--that that letter came from some
woman;--a woman who has watched you, followed you. Forgive me,
Edward; I was jealous--I was mad! Oh, have pity upon me and
do not drive me quite mad!"

As I said these words, I held my hand to my head, and
staggered towards the bed. Edward lifted me up, placed me upon
it, and kissing my forehead, said, "God help you, poor child!"

I threw my arms round his neck, and clung to him.

When he disengaged himself, and left me, I felt as if it might
be for the last time; other voices, other letters might reach
him; and then all my previous conduct would rise up in
judgment against me. What he might once have thrown aside as
the scrawl of a madman, would now appear to him in the form of
an explanation. I rang the bell with violence; and when my
maid came, I desired her to find Henry and send him to me
immediately.

"Shall I go and tell him in the drawing-room, Ma'am?"

"No; I will go there myself."

I put on my bonnet and shawl, and answered all inquiries by
assurances that I was well again, and ready to drive back to
Elmsley. The carriages were ordered; and calling Henry to the
window, I asked him in a low voice if he had anything to tell
me; if he knew anything more. He put his finger on his lip and
turned away. An instant afterwards he asked me aloud if I
would give up my place in the close carriage to Alice, who had
a slight cold, and go with him in his. I nodded assent; and
when my uncle said, as I thought sternly, "This is a very
foolish plan, Ellen; you had better come with us;" I cried out
that the air would do me good; and, springing in by Henry's
side, drove off to Elmsley.

"What have you heard? What have you found out?"

"In the first place, tell me, have you had a scene with Edward
since you came home? Has he questioned you about anything?"

"How do you mean? About what?"

"Perhaps he will take no notice; but you must be prepared with
an answer if he should; and we had better talk it over
together. It makes me miserable to give you pain; but you must
not be taken by surprise: