or her a soothing draught; and then, finding her completely
prostrated, both in mind and body, passed her arm around her waist,
guided her upstairs, and took her into her own room, where, if she
proved wakeful, she would be spared the scrutiny of Isabel. Still
clinging to Gertrude, the poor girl, to whose relief tears came at last,
sobbed herself to sleep. Gertrude, though nearly the same age as Kitty,
had seen too much trouble to enjoy in times of disquiet the privilege of
sinking easily to repose. She felt under the necessity, too, of
remaining awake until Isabel's return, that she might inform her what
had become of Kitty, whom she would be sure to miss from the room which
they both occupied. It was past midnight when Mrs. Graham and her niece
returned home, and Gertrude went immediately to inform the latter that
her cousin was asleep in her room. The noise of the carriage, however,
had awakened the sleeper, and when Gertrude returned she was rubbing her
eyes, and trying to collect her thoughts. Suddenly the recollection of
the scene of the evening flashed upon her, and with a deep sigh she
exclaimed, "Oh, Gertrude, I have been dreaming of Mr. Bruce! Should you
have thought he would have treated me so?"

"No, I should not," said Gertrude; "but I wouldn't dream about him,
Kitty, nor think of him any more; we will both go to sleep and forget
him."

"It is different with you," said Kitty, with simplicity. "He loves you,
and you do not care for him; but I--I----" Here her feelings overpowered
her, and she buried her face in her pillow.

Gertrude approached, laid her hand kindly upon the head of the poor
girl, and finished the sentence for her.

"You have such a large heart, Kitty, that he found some place there,
perhaps; but it is too good a heart to be shared by the mean and base.
You must think no more of him--he is not worthy of your regard."

"I can't help it," said Kitty; "I am silly, just as he said."

"No, you are not," said Gertrude, encouragingly; "and you must prove it
to him."

"How?"

"Let him see that, with all her softness, Kitty Ray is brave; that she
believes not his flattery, and values his professions at just what they
are worth."

"Will you help me, Gertrude? You are my best friend; you took my part,
and told him how wicked he had been to me. May I come to you for comfort
when I can't make believe happy any longer to him, and my aunt, and
Isabel?"

Gertrude's fervent embrace assured her.