this and you will see," she replied--Grace read--

DEAR EMILY,--You will, I know, be sorry to hear that I cannot be
home for the Xmas. festivities, nor for the wedding; I am as sorry
as you can possibly be, dear Emmy, but circumstances, over which I
have no control, make it imperitive that I should remain away,
therefore, pray forgive my absence, nor think it unkind.

"It is outrageous" said Grace folding the letter carefully. "Mamma will
not allow it I am certain, and I cannot imagine any reason that could
prevent him coming if he chose. You had better get mamma or papa to
write, people will think it so strange."

"I don't care what people think, it's Harry and ourselves" replied Emily
hotly, "I will write and tell him that I won't be married this Xmas. if
he don't come--'there.'

"How absurd" returned Grace contemptuously.

"Do you mean it" inquired Isabel gravely.

"Oh that is another thing" replied Emily coloring, but I shall say so,
and try the effect."

"It cannot be his wish to stay away" said Isabel thoughtfully.

"It is the strangest thing I ever knew," replied Grace.

"Isabel felt very uncomfortable, for somehow she could not help thinking
that she might be the cause, (as, once, Everard had been very near the
forbidden subject, saying that it was quite a punishment to be under the
same roof, unless there was some change in their position, toward each
other.

"She was sorry that he had not said so before Isabel had replied, and
that very day, told Mrs. Arlington that she wished to leave, as soon as
she could meet with another governess. Mrs. Arlington asked her reasons.
But Miss Leicester would give none. Then Mrs. Arlington requested that
Miss Leicester would reconsider the matter, but Miss Leicester refused
to do so. Then Mrs. Arlington insisted, saying that she would except her
resignation, if at the end of the week she still wished it, though they
would all be sorry to part with her.

Everard of course heard what had taken place, and immediately made it
his business to alter that young lady's determination, protesting that
he had said nothing to make her pursue such a course. He forced her to
admit that it was solely on his account that she was leaving, and then
talked her into consenting to withdraw her resignation at the end of the
week, promising to be more careful not to offend in future.) She wished
very much that she could spend this Xmas. with Mrs. Arnold, but this was