e she began to write on the next
sheet of paper. It was intended for her sister-in-law, a lady of middle
age, who shared in the occupancy of Redheck House. At length she penned
the introductory formula, but again became absent, and sat gazing at
the branches of a pine-tree which stood in strong relief against
cloudless blue. A sigh, an impatient gesture, and she went on with her
task.

"It is very kind of you to be so active in attending to the things
which you know I have at heart. You say I shall find everything as I
could wish it on my return, but you cannot think what a stranger to
Bartles I already feel. It will soon be six months Since I lived my
real life there; during my illness I might as well have been absent,
then came those weeks in the Isle of Wight, and now this exile. I feel
it as exile, bitterly. To be sure Naples is beautiful, but it does not
interest me. You need not envy me the bright sky, for it gives me no
pleasure. There is so much to pain and sadden; so much that makes me
angry. On Sunday I was miserable. The Spences are as kind as any one
could be, but--I won't write about it; no doubt you understand me.

"What do you think ought to be done about Mrs. Ackworth and her
daughter? It is shameful, after all they have received from me. Will
you tell them that I am gravely displeased to hear of their absenting
themselves from chapel. I have a very good mind to write to Mr.
Higginson and beg him to suspend the girl from his employment until she
becomes regular in her attendance at worship. Perhaps that would seem
malicious, but she and her mother ought to be punished in some way.
Speak to them very sternly.

"I do not understand how young Brooks has dared to tell you I promised
him work in the greenhouse. He is irreclaimable; the worst character
that ever came under my notice; he shall not set foot on the premises.
If he is in want, he has only himself to blame. I do not like to think
of his wife suffering, but it is the attribute of sins such as his that
they involve the innocent with the guilty; and then she has shown
herself so wretchedly weak. Try, however, to help her secretly if her
distress becomes too acute.

"It was impertinent in Mrs. Walker to make such reference to me in
public. This is the result of my absence and helplessness. I shall
write to her--two lines."

A flush had risen to her cheek, and in adding the last two words she
all but pierced through the thin note-paper. Then her h