once thought near being your husband married to another, who
is showing herself in triumph before you, wherever you go!"

"Hear me, Jane, before you reproach me further, and then judge between
us." Emily paused a moment to acquire nerve to proceed, and then related
to her astonished sister the little history of her own disappointments.
She did not affect to conceal her attachment for Denbigh. With glowing
cheeks she acknowledged, that she found a necessity for all her efforts to
keep her rebellious feelings yet in subjection; and as she recounted
generally his conduct to Mrs. Fitzgerald, she concluded by saying, "But,
Jane, I can see enough to call forth my gratitude; and although, with
yourself, I feel at this moment as if my affections were sealed for ever,
I wish to make no hasty resolutions, nor act in any manner as if I were
unworthy of the lot Providence has assigned me."

"Unworthy? no!--you have no reasons for self-reproach. If Mr. Denbigh has
had the art to conceal his crimes from you, he did it to the rest of the
world also, and has married a woman of rank and character. But how
differently are we situated! Emily--I--I have no such consolation."

"You have the consolation, my sister, of knowing there is an interest made
for you where we all require it most, and it is there I endeavor to seek
my support," said Emily, in a low and humble tone. "A review of our own
errors takes away the keenness of our perception of the wrongs done us,
and by placing us in charity with the rest of the world, disposes us to
enjoy calmly the blessings within our reach. Besides, Jane, we have
parents whose happiness is locked up in that of their children, and we
should--we must overcome the feelings which disqualify us for our common
duties, on their account."

"Ah!" cried Jane, "how can I move about in the world, while I know the
eyes of all are on me, in curiosity to discover how I bear my
disappointments. But you, Emily, are unsuspected. It is easy for you to
affect a gaiety you do not feel."

"I neither affect nor feel any gaiety," said her sister, mildly. "But are
there not the eyes of One on us, of infinitely more power to punish or
reward than what may be found in the opinions of the world? Have we no
duties? For what is our wealth, our knowledge, our time given us, but to
improve for our own and for the eternal welfare of those around us? Come
then, my sister, we have both been deceived--let us endeavor not to be
culpabl