your instructions (received as those who love receive all that the beloved gives), have left me not ignorant, so far as knowledge is required in woman, and the solicitude of a wife has matured me in all other feelings. I am your one wedded wife, and I need not say, the pure, innocent, young wife, whose eye has never lingered on another form, and who trusts she will give to your fond caress, and to your future guidance, another innocent creature, perhaps more dear, but not more loving than herself. I am no child—no girl—no silly miss: I am a wife who may be trusted, and claim confidence, not adulation?"
Glentworth was astonished by the energy, the eloquence, and the truth, with which she spoke; for truth, simple honest truth, borne out by conduct, will have its effect. He caught her to his bosom, saying,
"I do believe you are right. I think you can keep a secret—act a secret."
Isabella thought for a moment; she then said slowly and deliberately—
"I can, save from my sister Mary, alike your friend and mine."
"That she is such I firmly believe; but this must not be trusted to her. Not because she would not keep it, but because it would embarrass her."
"That is enough. I will never add to her sufferings more than I can help. Now to your story, Glentworth."
"It involves not merely sympathy, but action;
