For God's sake, let no expense and no efforts be spared. My
letter ought to reach you by ten o'clock this morning, at the latest.
Let me have one line in answer, to say you will act instantly for
the best. My only hope of quieting Norah is to show her a word of
encouragement from your pen. Believe me, dear sir, yours sincerely and
obliged,
"HARRIET GARTH."
III.
_From Magdalen to Norah (inclosed in the preceding Letter)._
"MY DARLING--Try to forgive me. I have struggled against myself till I
am worn out in the effort. I am the wretchedest of living creatures. Our
quiet life here maddens me; I can bear it no longer; I must go. If you
knew what my thoughts are; if you knew how hard I have fought against
them, and how horribly they have gone on haunting me in the lonely quiet
of this house, you would pity and forgive me. Oh, my love, don't feel
hurt at my not opening my heart to you as I ought! I dare not open it. I
dare not show myself to you as I really am.
"Pray don't send and seek after me; I will write and relieve all your
anxieties. You know, Norah, we must get our living for ourselves; I have
only gone to get mine in the manner which is fittest for me.
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