When she did appear, strange to say, it was to bring me unexpected comfort.
She had in her hand a letter from my dear Lady Knollys--a gleam of sunlight
from the free and happy outer world entered with it. The moment Madame left
me to myself, I opened it and read as follows:--
'I am so happy, my dearest Maud, in the immediate prospect of seeing you. I
have had a really kind letter from poor Silas--_poor_ I say, for I really
compassionate his situation, about which he has been, I do believe, quite
frank--at least Ilbury says so, and somehow he happens to know. I have had
quite an affecting, changed letter. I will tell you all when I see you.
He wants me ultimately to undertake that which would afford me the most
unmixed happiness--I mean the care of you, my dear girl. I only fear lest
my too eager acceptance of the trust should excite that vein of opposition
which is in most human beings, and induce him to think over his offer less
favourably again. He says I must come to Bartram, and stay a night, and
promises to lodge me comfortably; about which last I honestly do not care a
pin, when the chance of a comfortable evening's gossip with you is in view.
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