impassioned thanks for her care of his Mary, could have suspected the thrill, the pang those simple words occasioned.  Mary alone of those around her, except Mrs. Hamilton, was not deceived.  She loved Ellen, had long done so, and the affectionate attention she so constantly received from her had drawn the bonds of friendship closer.  She felt convinced she was not happy, that there was something heavy on her mind, and the quick intellect of a vivid fancy and loving nature guessed the truth.  Her wish to see her happy became so powerful, that she could not control it.  She fancied that Ellen might be herself deceived, and that the object of her affections once known, all difficulties would be smoothed.  The idea that her last act might be to secure the happiness of Ellen, was so soothing to her grateful and affectionate feelings, that, after dwelling on it some time, she took the first opportunity of being alone with her friend to seek her confidence.

“No, dearest, do not read to me,” she said, one evening, in answer to Ellen’s question.  “I would rather talk with you; do not look anxious, I will not fatigue myself.  Come, and sit by me, dear Ellen, it is of you that I would speak.”

“Of me?” repeated Ellen, surprised.  “Nay, dearest Mary, can you not find a more interesting subject?”

“No, love, for you are often in my thoughts; the approach of death has, I think, sharpened every faculty, for I see and read trifles clearer than I ever did before; and I can read through all that calm control and constant smile that you are not happy, my kind Ellen; and will you think me a rude intruder on your thoughts if I ask you why?”

“Do you not remember, Mary, I was ever unlike others?” replied Ellen, shrinking from her penetrating gaze.  “I never knew what it was to be lively and joyous even as a child, and as years increase, is it likely that I should?  I am contented with my lot, and with so many blessings around, should I not be ungrateful were I otherwise?”

“You evade my question, Ellen, and convince me more and more that I am right.  Ah, you know not how my last hour would be soothed, could I feel that I had done aught to restore happiness to one who has been to me the blessing you have been, dear Ellen.”

“Think not of it, dearest Mary,” said Ellen.  “I ought to be happy, very happy, and if I am not, it is my own wayward temper.  You cannot give me happiness, Mary; do not let the thought of me disturb you, dearest, kind as is your wish, it is unavailing.”

“Do not say so, Ellen; we are apt to look on sorrow, while it is confined to our own anxious breasts, as incurable and lasting; but when once it is confessed, how quickly do difficulties vanish, and the grief is often gone before we are aware it is departing.  Do not, dearest, magnify it by the encouragement which solitary thought bestows.”

“Are there not some sorrows, Mary, which are better ever concealed?  Does not the opening of a wound often make it bleed afresh, whereas, hidden in our own heart, it remains closed till time has healed it.”