our stepmother, with all the
rights and privileges I could have grouped around that station. I mean
to abdicate all my power; to leave the dear Heathcotes to the enjoyment
of such happiness as their virtues and merits cannot fail to secure
them, under the simple condition that they will forget me, or, if that
be more than they can promise, that they will never make me the subject
of their discussions, nor bring up my name, either in praise or blame.
Now understand me aright, Charles," said she, earnestly; "this is no
request prompted by any pique of injured pride or wounded self-love. It
is not uttered in the irritation of one who feels rejected by you. It
is a grave demand, made as the price of an important concession. I exact
that my name be not spoken, or, if uttered by others in your presence,
that it be unacknowledged and unnoticed. It is no idle wish, believe
me; for who are the victims of the world's calumnies so often as the
friendless, whose names call forth no sponsor? They are the outlaws that
any may wound, or even kill, and their sole sanctuary is oblivion."

"I think you judge us harshly," began Charles.

But she stopped him.

"No, far from it I know you all by this time. You are far more
generously minded than your neighbors, but there is one trait attaches
to human nature everywhere. Every one exaggerates any peril he has
passed through, and every man and woman is prone to blacken the
character of those who have frightened them. Come, I 'll not discuss the
matter further. I have all those things to pack up, and some notes to
write before I go."

"Go! Are you going away so soon?"

"To-morrow, at daybreak. I have got tidings of a sick relative, an old
aunt, who was very fond of me long ago, and who wishes to have me near
her. I should like to see May, and, indeed, Sir William, but I believe
it will be better not: I mean that partings are gratuitous sorrows. You
will say all that I wish. You will tell them how it happened that I left
so hurriedly. I 'm not sure," added she, smiling, "that your explanation
will be very lucid or very coherent, but the chances are, none will care
to question you too closely. Of course you will repeat all my gratitude
for the kindness I have met here. I have had some of my happiest days
with you," added she, as if thinking aloud,--"days in which I half
forgot the life of trouble that was to be resumed on the morrow. And,
above all, say," said she, with earnestness, "that;