"My dear," said the older woman, with a touch of reproach, as she pressed the restless little hand, "I was _thinking_. I won't attempt to say what I feel for you; I might say too much. Just be satisfied that I _do_ feel for you intensely. I think it was a cruel, a really cruel trial; and if any one was an active agent in it--no, it is best not to say what I could say of such wickedness. The word is not too strong; but let us put all that aside. If so cruel a trial and mortification were sent to you, it was for a good purpose. That is a truism; but truisms are useful sometimes. Special suffering--and I do think it was very special and unusual--is meant to show special possibilities for good in those it comes to. That should take away some of the bitterness of the _mortification_, should it not, by helping you to rise above it?" It was the second time in her little speech that she used the word, and as she laid a slight emphasis on it, she looked at Imogen keenly. It is not a pleasant word to have applied to one's self, but the girl did not resent it. She only repeated it inquiringly. "_Mortification_?" she said. "Yes, of course I know there was a good deal of that in it;" and her colour deepened. "But, that couldn't have been the worst of it. I was--I had got to be very fond of _him_--of the person it was all about." "Naturally so," said the invalid. "I don't see how you could have helped it. And he deserved it. You need not feel ashamed of having cared for a man such as--as you describe. But--yes, I think the mortification _was_ the worst of it, and the part that has left you so sore and morbid. I don't think--and remember you told me to speak plainly--you can have been what is called `in love' with him. You were more in love with the idea of it all. The sort of romance of it, and the girlish pride in being so quickly chosen, and your mothers gratification too." "It is true," said Imogen, "that at the very first, when I thought it was really going to be, I wasn't at all sure if I was glad or not. I was more frightened and worried than glad. But mamma said girls often feel as if they didn't know their own minds." "Perhaps; but not exactly as you felt. Then there is another thing. I think and believe you would be capable of a very true and unselfish love. Now, if yours for him had been like this, it would not have spoilt your life hitherto as you tell me it has been spoilt. You would have been thankful to know the mistake had not caused _him_ suffering. Oh, my child, that is the bitterest, to know that we have been the cause, however innocently, of sorrow to those we love better than ourselves!" Her words and manner almost overawed Imogen. But after a little pause she replied: