“How?”
“Through my aunt.”
“Through your aunt?”
“I hope and trust I am wrong,” Emily continued; “but I fear my aunt had something to do with Miss Jethro’s dismissal from the school—and in that case Miss Jethro may have found it out.” Her eyes, resting on the doctor, suddenly brightened. “You know something about it!” she exclaimed.
He considered a little—whether he should or should not tell her of the letter addressed by Miss Ladd to Miss Letitia, which he had found at the cottage.
“If I could satisfy you that your fears are well founded,” he asked, “would the discovery keep you away from Miss Jethro?”
“I should be ashamed to speak to her—even if we met.”
“Very well. I can tell you positively, that your aunt was the person who turned Miss Jethro out of the school. When I get home, I will send you a letter that proves it.”
Emily’s head sank on her breast. “Why do I only hear of this now?” she said.
“Because I had no reason for letting you know of it, before to-day. If I have done nothing else, I have at least succeeded in keeping you and Miss Jethro apart.”