Edward, at great inconvenience to himself, had continued to make his home at Rose Cottage while his sister remained. He had taken an office in the city, and had already gained some suits. Now he intended to leave at once, and for the rest of the winter apply himself diligently to business.
Hannah was to remain at Rose Cottage; and Minnie Howard, her niece, to be her guest till spring.
The morning following the wedding, Edward was seated at the table for an early breakfast, when he said:
"I shall run up Saturday night as often as possible, for I shall need cheering; and in the Spring I shall come out every night as I have done this fall."
"I don't look forward to any thing," was the desponding answer. "I have a feeling that Gertrude, poor child, will want me. She'll turn to her old friends when others fail her."
"I hope you don't wish her husband to fail her, that she may come back to you."
"No, Edward, I love her so dearly that though it would be one of the greatest sacrifices, yet I would be willing never to see her again, if I could be sure she would not need me; but I distrust that man, I try not to; but I can't help it."
"Well," he rejoined with a sigh. "They are married and we must hope for the best."
The first letter from Gertrude reached her brother on the last day of the year. It seemed to have been written in great haste, and was full of expressions of affection and gratitude for his kindness in providing her with so beautiful a home.
"Paul is busy all the day," she wrote; "but in the evening helps me arrange the pictures and books I brought from Rose Cottage. We have not changed one article; and we both admire your taste in the selection of every thing. I have been to the theatre twice, and oh, it does seem like heaven! I do hope it isn't wrong to go. I remember Hannah telling me that my mother said it unfitted one for the duties of life; and if I thought it would do that I would stay away, much as I like it. My dear brother, I have made a resolution to be as good a woman as my mother was; and Paul is so kind he helps me a great deal."