— he stopped a moment; then added in a voice which seemed to distrust itself, “And your sister — how did she — ”

“Her sufferings have been very severe. I have only to hope that they may be proportionately short.

It has been, it is a most cruel affliction. Till yesterday, I believe, she never doubted his regard; and even now, perhaps — but I am almost convinced that he never was really attached to her. He has been very deceitful! and, in some points, there seems a hardness of heart about him.”

“Ah!” said Colonel Brandon, “there is, indeed! But your sister does not — I think you said so — she does not consider quite as you do?”

“You know her disposition, and may believe how eagerly she would still justify him if she could.”