t either of
them," she added, with a smile of such abrupt opposition to her words
that Georgiana was in perplexity. A lady who has assumed the office of
lecturer, will, in such a frame of mind, lecture on, if merely to
vindicate to herself her own preconceptions. Georgiana laid her finger
severely upon Wilfrid's manifest faults; and, in fine, she spoke a great
deal of the common sense that the situation demanded. Nevertheless,
Emilia held to her scheme. But, in the meantime, Georgiana had seen more
clearly into the girl's heart; and she had been won, also, by a natural
gracefulness that she now perceived in her, and which led her to think,
"Is Merthyr again to show me that he never errs in his judgement?" An
unaccountable movement of tenderness to Emilia made her drop a few kisses
on her forehead. Emilia shut her eyes, waiting for more. Then she looked
up, and said, "Have you felt this love for me very long?" at which the
puny flame, scarce visible, sprang up, and warmed to a great heat.

"My own Emilia! Sandra! listen to me: promise me not to seek this
interview."

"Will you always love me as much?" Emilia bargained.

"Yes, yes; I never vary. It is my love for you that begs you."

Emilia fell into a chair and propped her head behind both hands, tapping
the floor briskly with her feet. Georgiana watched the conflict going on.
To decide it promptly, she said: "And not only shall I love you thrice as
well, but my brother Merthyr, whom you call your friend--he will--he
cannot love you better; but he will feel you to be worthy the best love
he can give. There is a heart, you simple girl! He loves you, and has
never shown any of the pain your conduct has given him. When I say he
loves you, I tell you his one weakness--the only one I have discovered.
And judge whether, he has shown want of self-control while you were dying
for another. Did he attempt to thwart you? No; to strengthen you; and
never once to turn your attention to himself. That is love. Now, think of
what anguish you have made him pass through: and think whether you have
ever witnessed an alteration of kindness in his face toward you. Even
now, when he had the hope that you were cured of your foolish fruitless
affection for a man who merely played with you, and cannot give up the
habit, even now he hides what he feels--"

So far Emilia let her speak without interruption; but gradually awakening
to the meaning of the words:--

"For me?" she cried.

"Yes;