(and to no one else that ever I have seen), is so restored, I have observed today, that I have begun to hope you are happier at home?’

‘I am happier in myself,’ she said; ‘I am quite cheerful and light-hearted.’

I glanced at the serene face looking upward, and thought it was the stars that made it seem so noble.

‘There has been no change at home,’ said Agnes, after a few moments.

‘No fresh reference,’ said I, ‘to — I wouldn’t distress you, Agnes, but I cannot help asking — to what we spoke of, when we parted last?’

‘No, none,’ she answered.

‘I have thought so much about it.’