When, according to our old custom, we sat before the fire at night, we often fell into this train; as naturally, and as consciously to each other, as if we had unreservedly said so. But we preserved an unbroken silence. I believed that she had read, or partly read, my thoughts that night; and that she fully comprehended why I gave mine no more distinct expression.

This Christmas-time being come, and Agnes having reposed no new confidence in me, a doubt that had several times arisen in my mind — whether she could have that perception of the true state of my breast, which restrained her with the apprehension of giving me pain — began to oppress me heavily.

If that were so, my sacrifice was nothing; my plainest obligation to her unfulfilled; and every poor action I had