"'I felt that something was going to happen. Tell me what it is.'
"I answered,--'Your friend can best explain what she means.'
"Then out came the secret. A shock of surprise sent the color from Margaret's face; and raising her eyes, she asked, quite calmly, but in a low and unnatural tone,--
"'Is this so?'
"I said, 'I suppose I cannot deny it.'
"'You are really going?'
"'I am really going.'
"She could not hide her agitation. Her white face betrayed her. Then I was glad, wickedly glad, in my heart,--and vain enough to be gratified that others should behold and know I held a power over her. Well,--but I suffered for that folly.
"'I feel hurt,' she said, after a little while, 'because you have not told me this. You have no sister,' (this was spoken very quietly,) 'and it would have been a privilege for me to take a sister's place, and do for you those little things which sisters do for brothers who are going on long journeys.'
"I was choked;--it was a minute before I could speak. Then I said that I saw no reason why she should tax her time or thoughts to do anything for me.