"
Ellinor was making breakfast when this letter was given her. According
to the wont of the servants of the respective households of the Parsonage
and Ford Bank, the man asked if there was any answer. It was only
custom; for he had not been desired to do so. Ellinor went to the window
to read her letter; the man waiting all the time respectfully for her
reply. She went to the writing-table, and wrote:
"It is all right--quite right. I ought to have thought of it all last
August. I do not think you will forget me easily, but I entreat you
never at any future time to blame yourself. I hope you will be happy
and successful. I suppose I must never write to you again: but I
shall always pray for you. Papa was very sorry last night for having
spoken angrily to you. You must forgive him--there is great need for
forgiveness in this world.--ELLINOR."
She kept putting down thought after thought, just to prolong the last
pleasure of writing to him. She sealed the note, and gave it to the man.
Then she sat down and waited for Miss Monro, who had gone to bed on the
previous night without awaiting Ellinor's return from the dining-room.
"I am late, my dear," said Miss Monro, on coming down, "but I have a bad
headache, and I knew you had a pleasant companion." Then, looking round,
she perceived Ralph's absence.
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