paper.

"Sincerely yours,

ISABEL STEWART."

"How very kind, and yet how very strange!" murmured Edith, as she
refolded the letter. "I wonder who could have told her about that
wretched affair of Tuesday evening. I wonder, too, what she knows
about the Goddards, and if I had better accept her friendly offer."

She reflected upon the matter for a few minutes, and then continued:

"I think I will go to New York first, as I had planned, see what Mr.
Bryant can do for me, and ascertain the meaning of that strange
personal; then I think I will come back and ask her to take me as a
companion--for I do not believe that what I shall learn to my
financial advantage will amount to enough to preclude the necessity of
my doing something for my support. I suppose I ought to answer this
letter, though," she added, meditatively; "but I believe I shall not
dare to until I am safely away from Boston, for if my reply should
fall into the hands of any member of this family, my plans might be
frustrated."

She carefully concealed both notes about her person, and then sat down
to await orders to go below.

A little later Mrs. Goddard came to her and said they were about ready
to leave for the city, and requested her to go down into the hall.

Edith arose with apparent alacrity, and madam noticed with an
expression of satisfaction that her bearing was less aggressive than
when they had last met.

She followed Mrs. Goddard downstairs and seated herself in the hall to
await the signal for departure.

Presently Mr. Goddard came in from outdoors.

He started slightly upon seeing Edith, then paused and inquired kindly
if she was feeling quite well again.

Edith thanked him, and briefly remarked that she was, when he startled
her by stooping suddenly and whispering in her ear:

"Count upon me as your friend, my child; I promise you that I will do
all in my power to help you thwart your enemies."

He waited for no answer, but passed quickly on and entered the
library.

Edith was astonished, and while, for the moment, she was touched by
his unexpected offer of assistance, she at the same time distrusted
him.

"I will trust myself and my fate with no one but Royal Bryant," she
said to herself, a flush of excitement rising to her cheek.

A few minutes later the carriage was driven to the door--the snow
having become so soft they were obliged to return to the city on
wheels--when Mrs. Godd