speak of what she was doing in secret. To tell of her efforts would
have seemed to Thyrza like half revealing her motives, so closely
connected in her own mind were the endeavour and its hope. Mrs. Ormonde
had known, but hitherto had offered no direct assistance.

To the latter Thyrza's relation was a strange one. As her mind matured,
as her dreaming gave way more frequently to conscious reflection, she
often asked herself how, knowing Mrs. Ormonde's thoughts, she could
accept from her so much and repay her with such sincere affection. Told
to her of another, she could with difficulty have believed it. Yet the
simple truth remained that she had never shrunk from Mrs. Ormonde's
offers of kindness, had never felt humiliated in receiving anything at
her hands. This could not have been but for the sincerity of affection
on Mrs. Ormonde's side. A dialogue such as that which Thyrza had
overheard at Eastbourne would have inspired hatred in a nature less
pure than hers. She had wondered, had at times thought that Mrs.
Ormonde misjudged her; yet such was the simple candour of her mind
that, instead of fostering evil, that secret knowledge had wrought upon
her in the most beneficial way. 'She thinks that I am no fit wife for
him; but that isn't all. She thinks of me, too, and believes that he
could not make me happy. Though speaking in private, she did not say a
word that could truly offend me. I know her to be good. I remember what
she was by my bedside when I was ill; and I have seen numberless things
that prove how impossible it is for her to deceive any one who puts
trust in her.' And from that Thyrza derived both comfort and guidance.
'I will not fear her. Perhaps she has acted in the wisest and kindest
way. To him who loves me two years will be nothing: and cannot _I_ use
the time to prove to her that I am worthy to be his wife? If his love
is still the same--how can it not be?--and my worthiness is put beyond
doubt, she can have no further reason for opposing our marriage; nay,
she will be glad in my happiness and in his. She shall see that I can
bear trial, that I can work quietly and perseveringly, above all that I
am faithful.'

And time made the affection between them stronger. Thyrza believed that
Mrs. Ormonde's opposition to the marriage was weakening; when at
length, as the time drew to an end, menial work was put aside and she
was encouraged to spend her days in improving her mind, it seemed to
her a declaration t