"I hope," said I, "we shall never quite lose Sight of one another."

"Oh no! I hope not. You must write to me now and then."

"Perhaps you can come to us when you have a Holiday."

"I never have a Holiday. Lady Betty knows I had no Friends when I came to Town, and does not approve of my making any."

"No Friends! That does sound dreary!"

"It is dreary."

I had now extinguished the Candle. She said no more; but I could hear her from Time to Time give a great Sigh.

"Gertrude," I at length said softly, "are you crying?"

She cleared her Throat a little, but made no Answer.

"Tell me, Dear, what's the Matter."