And how was the unsuspecting girl to know that no such words were written in the letter, and that it was from a woman, instead of Charlie Butler?
[CHAPTER XIII.]
TORTURED TO MADNESS.
"So the truth's out. I'll grasp it like a snake;
It will not slay me. My heart shall not break.
"I was so happy I could not make him blest!
So falsely dreamed I was his first and best!
"He'll keep that other woman from my sight;
I know not if her face be foul or bright;
I only know that it is his delight."
Geraldine was proud, very proud—and she thought she had quite overcome her hopeless love for Harry Hawthorne.
But the sudden, unexpected news of his marriage, that she never thought of doubting, struck her with the suddenness of an awful blow, beating down pride and reserve at one terrible stroke.