Clearer and clearer, in the
light of its own immortal life, the truth rose before her from the
ashes of her dead passions, from the grave of her buried hopes. When she
looked at the letter again--when she read the words once more which told
her that the recovery of the lost fortune was her sister's triumph, not
hers, she had victoriously trampled down all little jealousies and
all mean regrets; she could say in he r hearts of hearts, "Norah has
deserved it!"
The day wore on. She sat absorbed in her own thoughts, and heedless of
the second letter which she had not opened yet, until Kirke's return.
He stopped on the landing outside, and, opening the door a little way
only, asked, without entering the room, if she wanted anything that he
could send her. She begged him to come in. His face was worn and weary;
he looked older than she had seen him look yet. "Did you put my letter
on the table for me?" she asked.
"Yes. I put it there at the doctor's request."
"I suppose the doctor told you it was from my sister? She is coming to
see me, and Miss Garth is coming to see me. They will thank you for all
your goodness to me better than I can."
"I have no claim on their thanks," he answered, sternly.
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