'You are helped, dear Lilian. Strength has been given to you, and the rest will come easier.'
'Yes; nothing can be very painful now'—wearily.
A servant came to tell us that tea was taken in, and that Mrs Tipper and Miss Reed were waiting for us.
'Have you quite decided to make it known at once, dear?'
'Yes; the sooner it is over the better.'
'Perhaps it is. Would you like to go to your room, and leave me to prepare them a little, dear Lilian?'
'Yes; I should be very glad—if you do not mind—if you think it is best, Mary.'
'I think it best for you to be present,' I replied, reflecting that it would at least be better for her than brooding over the miserable scene which had just been enacted. 'But if you do not feel equal to it, and would like me to act for you, I will of course do so.'
'I will come with you,' she quietly replied, putting her hand into mine.
I stopped for a moment to kiss the pure brow, then we went together to the morning-room.