whether to let him enter on such a subject at present; but remembering
the relief of free confession, he thought it best to allow him to
proceed, only now and then putting in some note of sympathy or of
interrogation, in word or gesture.

'I must explain,' said Philip, 'that you may see how little blame can be
imputed to her. It was that summer, three years ago, the first after you
came. I had always been her chief friend. I saw, or thought I saw, cause
for putting her on her guard. The result has shown that the danger
was imaginary; but no matter--I thought it real. In the course of the
conversation, more of my true sentiments were avowed than I was aware
of; she was very young, and before we, either of us, knew what we were
doing, it had been equivalent to a declaration. Well! I do not speak to
excuse the concealment, but to show you my motive. If it had been known,
there would have been great displeasure and disturbance; I should have
been banished; and though time might have softened matters, we should
both have had a great deal to go through. Heaven knows what it may be
now! And, Guy,' he added, breaking off with trembling eagerness, 'when
did you hear from Hollywell? Do you know how she has borne the news of
my illness?'

'We have heard since they knew of it,' said Guy; 'the letter was from
Mrs. Edmonstone to Amy; but she did not mention Laura.'

'She has great strength; she would endure anything rather than give way;
but how can she have borne the anxiety and silence? You are sure my aunt
does not mention her?'

'Certain. I will ask Amy for the letter, if you like.'

'No, do not go; I must finish, since I have begun. We did not speak of
an engagement; it was little more than an avowal of preference; I doubt
whether she understood what it amounted to, and I desired her to be
silent. I deceived myself all along, by declaring she was free; and I
had never asked for her promise; but those things will not do when we
see death face to face, and a resolve made at such a moment must be
kept, let it bring what it may.'

'True.'

'She will be relieved; she wished it to be known; but I thought it best
to wait for my promotion--the only chance of our being able to marry.
However, it shall be put into her father's hands as soon as I can hold
a pen. All I wish is, that she should not have to bear the brunt of his
anger.'

'He is too kind and good-natured to keep his displeasure long.'

'If it would only light on th