"'I may return the compliment,' she said, with a ghastly smile. 'Can this be Philip? Misery has not been partial, or your brow wears its mark in vain.'
"'Unhappy sister of an unhappy brother!' I cried, folding her passive form to my heart, 'I need not ask why you are altered thus.'
"The fire which had been burning in my brain for some weeks, yielded to softer emotions. My head sunk upon her shoulder, and I wept long and bitterly.
"Alice regarded me with a curious and mournful glance, but shed no tears.
"'Alice! That villain has deceived you?'
"She shook her head.
"'It is useless to deny facts so apparent. Do you love him still?'
"She sighed deeply. 'Yes, Philip. But he has ceased to love me.'
"'Deserted you?'
"Her lip quivered. She was silent.