The story, continued by Marianne Halcombe, in extracts from her diary.

CHAPTER I Part I.

Limeridge House

The passages omitted here and elsewhere in Miss Halcombe's diary are only those which

bear no reference to Miss Fairly or to any of the persons with whom she is associated

in these pages.

November 8th

This morning, Mr. Gilmore left us.

His interview with Laura had evidently grieved and surprised him more than he liked to confess.

I felt afraid, from his look and manner, when we parted, that she might have inadvertently

betrayed to him the real secret of her depression and my anxiety.

This doubt grew on me so, after he had gone, that I declined writing out with Sir Percival

and went up to Laura's room instead.

I have been sadly distrustful of myself in this difficult and the mentable matter.

Ever since I found out my own ignorance of the strength of Laura's unhappy attachment,

I ought to have known that the delicacy and forbearance and sense of honor which drew

me to poor heart-right and made me so sincerely admire and respect him were just the qualities

to appeal most irresistibly to Laura's natural sensitiveness and natural generosity of nature.

And yet, until she opened her heart to me of her own accord, I had no suspicion that this

new feeling had taken root so deeply.

I once thought time and care might remove it.

I now fear that it will remain with her and alter her for life.

...