my own part, I have my home-sister all to myself, with no rival but that
small woman--and how she will pet her!'

'And how you will! What a spoiling uncle you will be! But now, having
heard you reason yourself into philosophy, I'll leave you to write. We
were so anxious, that I could not help coming. I am so glad that little
one thrives! I should like to leave my love for Amy, if you'll remember
it.'

'The rarity of such a message from you may enable me. I was lying
here alone, and received the collected love of five Harpers to convey
up-stairs, all which I forgot; though in its transit by Arnaud and his
French, it had become "that they made their friendships to my lady and
Mrs. Edmonstone."'

Charles had not talked so like himself for months; and Mary felt that
Amabel's child, if she had disappointed some expectations, had come like
a spring blossom, to cheer Hollywell, after its long winter of sorrow
and anxiety. She seemed to have already been received as a messenger to
comfort them for the loss, greatest of all to her, poor child, though
she would never know how great. Next Mary wondered what kind of letter
Charles would indite, and guessed it would be all the kinder for the
outpouring he had made to her, the only person with whom he ventured to
indulge in a comfortable abuse of Philip, since his good sense taught
him that, ending as affairs must, it was the only wise way to make the
best of it, with father, mother, and Charlotte, all quite sufficiently
disposed to regard Philip with aversion without his help.

Philip was at breakfast with the Henleys, on the following morning, a
Sunday,--or rather, sitting at the breakfast-table, when the letters
were brought in. Mrs. Henley, pretending to be occupied with her own,
had an eager, watchful eye on her brother, as one was placed before him.
She knew Mr. Edmonstone's writing, but was restrained from exclaiming
by her involuntary deference for her brother. He flushed deep red one
moment, then turned deadly pale, his hand, when first he raised it,
trembled, but then became firm, as if controlled by the force of his
resolution. He broke the black seal, drew out the letter, paused another
instant, unfolded it, glanced at it, pushed his chair from the table,
and hastened to me door.

'Tell me, tell me, Philip, what is it?' she exclaimed, rising to follow
him.

He turned round, threw the letter on the table, and with a sign that
forbade her to come with him, left the r