"Ah! Miss," interrupted Marian, soothingly, "don't hesitate to confide in me. I know what ails you—I understand your situation; and I feel for you deeply—indeed, indeed I do."
"Marian—"
"Yes, Miss: you cannot conceal it from others much longer. For God's sake take some step before you kill yourself and your child at the same time."
"Marian—Marian, what do you say?" exclaimed Ellen, sobbing violently, as if her heart would break.
"Miss Monroe, you will shortly become a mother!"
"Ah! my God—kill me, kill me! Save me from this deep degradation—this last disgrace!"
"Calm yourself, Miss—calm yourself; and I will be your friend," said Marian. "I have been thinking of your condition for some time past—and I have already settled in my mind a plan to save you!"
"To save me—to save me!" exclaimed Ellen. "Oh! how can I ever repay you for this kindness?"
"I am but a poor ignorant woman. Miss," answered Marian; "but I hope that I do not possess a bad heart. At all events I can feel for you."
"A bad heart, Marian!" repeated Ellen. "Oh! no—you are goodness itself. But you said you had some plan to save me, Marian?"