ppy, peaceful life. I should be perpetually
haunted by the idea of what might happen in the way of discovery and
shame. I am the more convinced of this from my observation of your
father's altered character--an alteration which I trace back to the
time when I conjecture that the secret affairs took place to which you
have alluded. In short, it is for your sake, my dear Ellinor, even
more than for my own, that I feel compelled to affix a final meaning
to the words which your father addressed to me last night, when he
desired me to leave his house for ever. God bless you, my Ellinor,
for the last time my Ellinor. Try to forget as soon as you can the
unfortunate tie which has bound you for a time to one so unsuitable--I
believe I ought to say so unworthy of you--as--RALPH CORBET."

Ellinor was making breakfast when this letter was given her. According
to the wont of the servants of the respective households of the Parsonage
and Ford Bank, the man asked if there was any answer. It was only
custom; for he had not been desired to do so. Ellinor went to the window
to read her letter; the man waiting all the time respectfully for her
reply. She went to the writing-table, and wrote:

"It is all right--quite right. I ought to have thought of it all last
August. I do not think you will forget me easily, but I entreat you
never at any future time to blame yourself. I hope you will be happy
and successful. I suppose I must never write to you again: but I
shall always pray for you. Papa was very sorry last night for having
spoken angrily to you. You must forgive him--there is great need for
forgiveness in this world.--ELLINOR."

She kept putting down thought after thought, just to prolong the last
pleasure of writing to him. She sealed the note, and gave it to the man.
Then she sat down and waited for Miss Monro, who had gone to bed on the
previous night without awaiting Ellinor's return from the dining-room.

"I am late, my dear," said Miss Monro, on coming down, "but I have a bad
headache, and I knew you had a pleasant companion." Then, looking round,
she perceived Ralph's absence.

"Mr. Corbet not down yet!" she exclaimed. And then Ellinor had to tell
her the outline of the facts so soon likely to be made public; that Mr.
Corbet and she had determined to break off their engagement; and that Mr.
Corbet had accordingly betaken himself to the Parsonage; and th