Don't be distressed
about me. I am trying to recover my spirits--I am trying to forget the
poor deluded girl who was foolish enough to be fond of Frank in the
old days at Combe-Raven. Sometimes a pang comes which tells me the girl
won't be forgotten--but not often.
"It was very kind of you, when you wrote to such a lost creature as I
am, to sign yourself--_always my friend._ 'Always' is a bold word, my
dear old governess! I wonder whether you will ever want to recall it? It
will make no difference if you do, in the gratitude I shall always feel
for the trouble you took with me when I was a little girl. I have ill
repaid that trouble--ill repaid your kindness to me in after life. I ask
your pardon and your pity. The best thing you can do for both of us is
to forget me. Affectionately yours,
"MAGDALEN."
"P.S.--I open the envelope to add one line. For God's sake, don't show
this letter to Norah!"
XI.
_From Magdalen to Captain Wragge._
"Vauxhall Walk, July 17th.
"If I am not mistaken, it was arranged that I should write to you at
Birmingham as soon as I felt myself composed enough to think of the
future. My mind is settled at last, and I am now able to accept the
services which you have so unreservedly offered to me.
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