"Because," I answered, my heart leaping into my mouth, "there will be no bride there to need it."
Emily started, and then said calmly, "that makes no difference."
"But," said I, eagerly, "he has no bride. Mr. Benson is not married. The report was false."
Poor girl! she fairly shook with emotion, and her face turned deadly pale. She gazed at me for one instant, and then threw herself down by the side of the bed. "My God, I thank thee for removing the awful load of guilt from my heart," was all that I could hear, though she continued a long time in that attitude. When she arose, I put my arm around her, as she sat shading her face with her hand.
"Sister, you will be happier now."
"Yes, dear," she answered quietly, "you have removed a great load of guilt from my soul, and I shall, I must feel happier."
After a pause, I whispered, "you will not object to meet Mr. Benson now."
She started to her feet with such a world of meaning in her tone as she said, "Cora!"
"I mean," said I, hesitating, "he is to be our neighbor again; and it would be so much pleasanter, and better every way, to be on terms of friendship with him."
She looked so proudly as she stood before me, and said, "that is hardly possible; certainly not at all probable. He would not wish it."