It was a
dark prospect before her. At best, she had to leave the only home
she remembered, and go among strangers.
CHAPTER XV.
THE MOONLIGHT.
It was a still, frosty night, with a full moon. When she reached
her chamber, Letty walked mechanically to the window, and there
stood, with the candle in her hand, looking carelessly out, nor
taking any pleasure in the great night. The window looked on an
open, grassy yard, where were a few large ricks of wheat, shining
yellow in the cold, far-off moon. Between the moon and the earth
hung a faint mist, which the thin clouds of her breath seemed to
mingle with and augment. There lay her life--out of doors--dank
and dull; all the summer faded from it--all its atmosphere a
growing fog! She would never see Tom again! It was six weeks
since she saw him last! He must have ceased to think of her by
this time! And, if he did think of her again, she would be far
off, nobody knew where.
Something struck the window with a slight, sharp clang. It was
winter, and there were no moths or other insects flying, What
could it be? She put her face close to the pane, and looked out.
There was a man in the shadow of one of the ricks! He had his hat
off, and was beckoning to her. It could be nobody but Tom! The
thought sent to her heart a pang of mingled pleasure and pain.
Clearly he wanted to speak to her! How gladly she would! but then
would come again all the trouble of conscious deceit: how was she
to bear that all over again! Still, if she was going to be turned
out of the house so soon, what would it matter? If her aunt was
going to compel her to be her own mistress, where was the harm if
she began it a few days sooner? What did it matter anyhow what
she did? But she dared not speak to him! Mrs.
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