The next day Grace received an unexpected visitor—Jael Dence.
Grace stared at sight of her, and received her very coldly.
“Oh, miss,” said Jael, “don't look so at me that love you dearly;” and with this threw her arms round her neck, and kissed her.
Grace was moved by this; but felt uncomfortable, and even struggled a little, but in vain. Jael was gentle, but mighty. “It's about your letter, miss.”
“Then let me go,” cried Grace. “I wish I had never written it.”
“Nay; don't say so. I should never have known how good you are.”
“What a fool I am, you mean. How dare you read my letter? Oh! did he show it you? That was very cruel, if he did.”
“No, miss, he never showed it me; and I never read it. I call it mean to read another body's letter. But, you know, 'tisn't every woman thinks so: and a poor lass that is very fond of me—and I scold her bitterly—she took the letter out of his pocket, and told me what was in it.”
“Very well, then,” said Grace, coldly, “it is right you should also read his answer. I'll bring it you.”
“Not to-day, miss, if you please. There is no need. I know him: he is too much of a man to marry one girl when he loves another; and 'tis you he loves, and I hope you will be happy together.”