error?' Thus I argued with myself, and finally made up my mind that
I would compel an interview by entering my friend's chamber, even
though she had twice refused to see me.

"As I resolved to do, so I acted. Once fully convinced that the act
was right, I compelled myself to do it, without once hesitating or
looking back. My low knock at her chamber-door was unanswered. I
paused but a few moments before opening it. There stood my friend,
with a pale yet firm countenance, and as I advanced she looked me
steadily in the face with a cold, repulsive expression.

"'Mrs.----,' said I, extending my hand and forcing a smile, while
the tears came to my eyes, and my voice trembled--'if I had been
guilty of the feelings with which you have charged me, I would not
have thus sought you, in spite of all your repulses. Let me now
declare to you, in the earnestness of a sincere heart, that I am
innocent of all you allege against me. I have always regarded you as
one of my choicest friends. I have always endeavoured to prefer you
before myself, instead of setting myself above you. You have,
therefore, accused me wrongfully, but I do most heartily forgive
you. Will you not then forgive me for an imaginary fault?'

"For a few moments after I commenced speaking, she continued to look
at me with the same cold, repulsive stare, not deigning to touch the
hand that I still extended. But she saw that I was sincere; she felt
that I was sincere, and this melted her down. As I ceased speaking,
she started forward with a quick, convulsed movement, and throwing
her arms around me, hid her face in my bosom and wept aloud. It was
some time before the tumult of her feelings subsided.