"But, dear mother, I know nothing."
As she uttered the words a guilty feeling stole over her. What did the letter in her pocket contain?
Rachel drew the girl's face to hers, and caressed her.
"Now it is you," she said, "who are speaking as if you are in trouble. I am very inconsiderate, but love has its pains as well as its joys. You have no trouble, Rose?"
"None, dear mother. I am perfectly happy."
"See how mistaken I am; and I hope I am mistaken also about Ruth. I feared that she had a secret which she was concealing from me. Blind people are suspicious, Rose, and breed trouble for themselves and others."
"Not you, dear mother," said Rose, kissing her. "Now you must go to sleep. This is quite against the doctor's orders."
Rachel smiled and yielded; she took pleasure in being led by those she loved.
In the solitude of her chamber Rose read the letter:
"Darling Rose: I am in great trouble, and you must help me. You are the only friend I have in the world--but no, I must not say that; it is not true. What I mean is, you are the only friend at home I can trust.