"Charlotte," said Miss Harman—there was a change in her, the proud look and bearing were gone—"Charlotte," she said, "you and I are one age, but you are a mother; may I lay my head on your breast just for a moment?"
"Lay it there, my darling. As you have got into my heart of hearts, so would I comfort you."
"Ah, Charlotte, how my heart has beat! but your love is like a cool hand laid upon it, it is growing quiet."
"Charlotte, you are right in reminding me that I am a mother. I must treat you as I would my little Daisy. Daisy trusts me absolutely and has no fear; you must trust me altogether, and fear nothing."
"I do. I fear nothing when I am with you. Charlotte, next Tuesday was to have been my wedding-day."
"Yes, dear."
"But it is all on an end now; I broke off my engagement yesterday. And yet, how much I love him! Charlotte, don't look at me so pityingly."
"Was I doing so? I was wondering if you slept last night."
"Slept! No, people don't sleep when their hearts beat as hard as mine did, but I am better now."
"Then, Charlotte, I must prescribe for you, as a mother. For the next two hours you are my child and shall obey me; we have a great deal to say to each other; but first of all, before we say a single word, you must lie on this sofa, and I will hold your hand. You shall try and sleep."