He would feel it to be
right that I should make every effort--I don't mean," said she, as the
tears would fall down her cheeks in spite of her quivering effort at a
smile, "that I should not have liked to have seen him. But it is no use
talking of what one would have liked. I am writing a long letter to him at
every pause of leisure."
"And I'm keeping you all this time," said Erminia, getting up, yet loth to
go. "When do you intend to come back? Let us feel there is a fixed time.
America! Why, it's thousands of miles away. Oh, Maggie! Maggie!"
"I shall come back the next autumn, I trust," said Maggie, comforting her
friend with many a soft caress. "Edward will be settled then, I hope. You
were longer in France, Minnie. Frank was longer away that time he wintered
in Italy with Mr. Monro."
Erminia went slowly to the door. Then she turned, right facing Maggie.
"Maggie! tell the truth. Has my uncle been urging you to go? Because if he
has, don't trust him; it is only to break off your engagement."
"No, he has not, indeed. It was my own thought at first. Then in a moment I
saw the relief it was to my mother--my poor mother! Erminia, the thought
of her grief at Edward's absence is the trial; for my sake, you will come
often and often, and comfort her in every way you can."
"Yes! that I will; tell me everything I can do for you." Kissing each
other, with long lingering delay they parted.
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