But even in this moment of ecstatic joy, the sword of destiny fell swiftly and unerringly upon her hapless golden head.
God pity and help her in her mortal anguish, for in this moment she remembered that she had given Hubert's mother her sacred promise, nay, her vow, that she would never cross her son's path again.
When the nurse returned, after the lapse of perhaps a quarter of an hour, to Jessie's bedside, she found the girl sobbing as though her heart would break, and the letter torn into a thousand pieces, which were fluttering over the counterpane.
"I hope you have not heard any bad news, Miss Bain," she said, earnestly.
Jessie raised her tear-stained face from her hands, and smiled up into her face, the most pitiful smile that ever was seen.
"I have heard music so sweet that it might have opened up heaven to me, if fate had not been against me," she murmured, with quivering lips, the tears starting afresh to her blue eyes.
These words completely puzzled the old nurse. But ere she could utter the words on her lips, Jessie continued:
"I wish I could have some writing materials; I should like to answer this letter which I have received."
"Do you think you feel strong enough to attempt to write it now?" she asked dubiously.
"Yes," said Jessie; adding under her breath: "I must write it quickly, while I have the courage to do it."