errifying, reproaches I have heard interchanged
between them, as I accidently passed the room where they were
sitting--such terms as have sent me to my room, feeling as if I were
in a horrid dream, and made me cry and tremble for hours after I got
there.... I see my father very seldom, and when I do, he takes but little
notice of me.... Poor Willett, you know, returned with me. She
accompanies me in my walks, and is constantly dropping hints about
mademoiselle, from which I know not what to gather....

"I often fear that my father has some secret and mortal ailment. He
generally looks ill, and sometimes quite wretchedly. He came twice lately
to my room, I think to speak to me on some matter of importance; but he
said only a sentence or two, and even these broken and incoherent. He
seemed unable to command spirits for the interview; and, indeed, he grew
so agitated and strange, that I was alarmed, and felt greatly relieved
when he left me....

"I do not, you see, disguise my feelings, dear Charles; I do not conceal
from you the melancholy and anguish of my present situation. How
intensely I long for your promised arrival. I have not a creature to whom
I can say one word in confidence, except poor Willett; who, though very
good-natured, and really dear to me, is yet far from being a companion. I
sometimes think my intense anxiety to see you here is almost selfish; for
I know you will feel as acutely as I do, the terrible change observable
everywhere. But I cannot help longing for your return, dear Charles, and
counting the days and the very hours till you arrive....

"Be cautious, in writing to me, not to say anything which you would not
wish mademoiselle to see; for Willett tells me that she knows that she
often examines, and even intercepts the letters that arrive; and, though
Willett may be mistaken, and I hope she is, yet it is better that you
should be upon your guard. Ever since I heard this, I have brought my
letters to the post office myself, instead of leaving them with the rest
upon the hall table; and you know it is a long walk for me....

"I go to church every Sunday, and take Willett along with me. No one from
this seems to think of doing so but ourselves. I see the Mervyns there.
Mrs. Mervyn is particularly kind; and I know that she wishes to offer me
an asylum at Newton Park; and you cannot think with how much tenderness
and delicacy she conveys the wish. But I dare not hint the subject to my
father; and