mind, often depressing her spirits very much. One of these
circumstances, though perfectly beyond her control, was extremely
humiliating to a high-minded and somewhat proud-spirited woman. All
these things I turned over in my mind, and instead of suffering
myself to feel incensed against her for the unkind note she had
written to me, I endeavoured to find excuses for her, and to
palliate her fault all that I could. What troubled me most, was the
almost insurmountable barrier that she had thrown between us. 'Do
not attempt to answer this; do not attempt to see me;' were strong
positions; and my pride rose up, and forbade me to break through
them. But pride could not stand before the awakening of better
feelings. 'I must see her. I will see her!' I said.

"This resolution taken, I determined that I would not call upon her
until towards evening, thus giving her time for reflection. The hour
at length came in which I had made up my mind to perform a most
painful duty, and I dressed myself for the trying visit. When I
pulled the bell, on pausing at her door, I was externally calm, but
internally agitated.

"'Tell Mrs.----that a friend wishes to speak to her,' said I to the
servant who showed me into the parlour. I did not feel at liberty to
ask her not to mention my name; but I emphasized the word 'friend,'
in hopes that she would understand my meaning. But she either did
not or would not, for in a few minutes she returned and said, in a
confused and hesitating voice,

"'Mrs.--says that she does not wish to see you.'"

"And you left the house on the instant?" Louisa said, in an