n making the necessary
inquiries.

Very soon after this I had my first letter--doubly dear and interesting
because it was from Gabrielle. The inn servant brought it under pretext
of visiting Nelly, so my father knew nothing about it. Ah, that first
letter! shall I ever forget how I bathed it my with tears, and covered
it with kisses? It was short, and merely said they were in lodgings for
the present, because Mr. Erminstoun had not yet forgiven his son: not a
word about her happiness; not a word of her husband; but she concluded
by saying, "that very soon she hoped to send for her darling Ruth--never
to be parted more."

I know that my guardian angel whispered the thoughts that now came into
my head as I read and pondered; because I had prayed to be led as a
sheep by the shepherd, being but a simple, weakly child. I determined on
two things--to show the letter I had received from Gabrielle to my
father, for conscience loudly whispered concealment was wrong; and never
to quit him, because the time might come when he, perhaps, would
require, or be glad of my attendance. I felt quite happy after forming
these resolutions on my knees; and I wrote to Gabrielle telling her of
them. I know not if my father observed what I said, but he took no
notice, for he was half asleep and smoking; so I left the letter beside
him, as I ever did afterward, for I often heard from my beloved sister:
and oh! but it _was_ hard to resist her entreaties that I would come to
her--that it was for my sake as well as her own she had taken so bold a
step; and that now she had a pleasant home for me, and I refused. It was
hard to refuse; but God was with me, or I never could have had strength
of myself to persevere in duty, and "_deny myself_." When Gabrielle
found arguments and entreaties vain, she gave way to bursts of anguish
that nearly overcame me; but when "I was weak, then I was strong," and I
clasped my precious Bible, and told her I _dared_ not leave my father.

Then came presents of books, and all kinds of beautiful and useful
things, to add to my comfort or improvement. Gabrielle told me they were
settled in a pretty cottage near the Hall, and that Mr. Erminstoun had
forgiven his son. Mr. Erminstoun was a widower, and had five daughters
by a former marriage--Gabrielle's husband being the only child of his
second union: the Misses Erminstoun were all flourishing in single
blessedness, and were known throughout the country-side as the "proud