"Sympathy," Stella answered gently.
The girl resumed her work. "I beg your pardon," she said; "I shall learn
to submit to my lot in time."
The quiet long-suffering mother placed a chair for Stella. "You have
a kind beautiful face, miss," she said; "and I am sure you will make
allowances for my poor girl. I remember the time when I was as quick to
feel as she is. May I ask how you came to hear of us?"
"I hope you will excuse me," Stella replied. "I am not at liberty to
answer that question."
The mother said nothing. The daughter asked sharply, "Why not?"
Stella addressed her answer to the mother. "I come from a person who
desires to be of service to you as an unknown friend," she said.
The wan face of the widow suddenly brightened. "Oh!" she exclaimed,
"has my brother heard of the General's death? and has he forgiven me my
marriage at last?"
"No, no!" Stella interposed; "I must not mislead you. The person whom I
represent is no relation of yours."
Even in spite of this positive assertion, the poor woman held
desperately to the hope that had been roused in her.
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