her
countenance expressed pleasure at receiving it; a pleasure, however,
somewhat tempered by sadness, for she had heard from Willie but once
since he learned the news of his mother's death, and that letter had
been such an outpouring of his vehement grief, that the sight of his
handwriting almost pained her, as she anticipated something like a
repetition of the outburst.

Mr. Bruce, who kept his eyes upon her, and expected to see her change
colour, and look disconcerted, on the letter being handed to her in the
presence of so many witnesses, was reassured by the composure with which
she took it, and held it openly in her hand, while she bade the doctor
and his wife good evening. She followed them to the door, and was
retreating to her own apartment, when she was met by Mr. Bruce, who had
noticed the movement, and now entered from the piazza in time to arrest
her steps, and ask if her letter was of such importance that she must
deny the company the pleasure of her society in order to study its
contents.

"It is from a friend of whose welfare I am anxious to hear," said
Gertrude, gravely. "Please excuse me to your mother, if she inquires for
me; and, as the rest of the guests are strangers, I shall not be missed
by them."

"Oh, Miss Gertrude," said Mr. Bruce, "it's no use coming here to see
you, you are so frequently invisible. What part of the day is the most
likely to find you disengaged?"

"Hardly any part," said Gertrude. "I am always a busy character; but
good night, Mr. Bruce--don't let me detain you from the other young
ladies;" and Gertrude ran upstairs, leaving Mr. Bruce uncertain whether
to be vexed with himself or her.

Contrary to Gerty's expectations, William Sullivan's letter proved very
soothing to the grief she had felt on his account. His spirit had been
so crushed by the death of his grandfather, and by his second and still
greater loss, that his first communication to Gertrude had alarmed her,
from its despairing tone; she had feared lest his Christian fortitude
would give way to the force of his double affliction. She was much
relieved to find that he wrote in a calmer strain; that he had taken to
heart his mother's last entreaty and prayer for a submissive disposition
on his part; and that, although deeply afflicted, he was schooling
himself to patience and resignation.

The three closely-written pages were devoted to fervent expressions of
gratitude to Gertrude for the kindness and love whic