Esther, meanwhile, was busy for some time attending to Rachel, who wished the young girl to remain with her till she was asleep. With Ruth's letter in her pocket, which had been delivered almost clandestinely at the house, and which she was enjoined to read when she was alone, she was compelled to bridle her impatience. She did not dare to speak of it to Rachel, and the course the conversation took in the bedroom did not tend to compose her. Rachel spoke only of family matters, of her husband and children, and presently the conversation drifted entirely to the subject of Ruth.
"Young girls," said Rachel, "confide in each other. There is a true affection between you, is there not, my dear?"
"Yes," replied Esther, wondering what was coming, and dreading it.
"It happens sometimes," continued Rachel, with a sigh, "that parents do not entirely win their children's confidence. Joseph has not a secret from me. Do you think Ruth is quite happy, my dear?"
"I think so," said Esther.
"I am not asking you to break a confidence she may have reposed in you----"
Esther could not refrain from interrupting her.
"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.