"Yes. You can read it if you like," and she took it from her pocket and gave it to him; "only do not mention anything about it to Mamma, she might not like my having written; or it might make her nervous in supposing herself worse than she is. It is not exactly a secret," she added, blushing slightly, "as Mrs. Elrington knows of it, and approved of my letter." "Do not wrong me by supposing I should think so, Miss Neville. I will take it home, and read it at my leisure, if you will allow me. Good night." The door closed, and he was gone before Amy could reply; but as she turned to re-enter the sitting-room, she sighed and murmured, "There is a fate in some things. Is there in my life?" CHAPTER II. FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE. "My life went darkling like the earth, nor knew it shone a star, To that dear Heaven on which it hung in worship from afar. O, many bared their beauty, like brave flowers to the bee; He might have ranged through sunny fields, but nestled down to me; And daintier dames would proudly have smiled him to their side, But with a lowly majesty he sought me for his Bride; And grandly gave his love to me, the dearest thing on Earth, Like one who gives a jewel, unweeting of its worth." MASSEY. A fortnight passed away, and still Robert Vavasour lingered at Ashleigh, although he seemed no nearer winning Amy's love than when he first came; yet he could not tear himself away. Sometimes he was gloomy and desponding; and on these days he never came near the cottage. At others his hopes rose when only a smile or glance kinder than usual came from her he loved, and then he was the life of the little party. But when he fancied Amy was beginning to care for him a little more, she would suddenly shrink within herself again, and become as cold and reserved as ever, but then he never thought that it was his almost tender manner that chilled and frightened her, lest he should think she was encouraging his suit. Still he hoped on, would not despair. What lover ever does? and _he_ loved her so dearly. One morning, finding Mrs. Neville alone, he told her of his love for Amy, of the compact between them, and of his hopes. The widow did not discourage them, she liked Mr. Vavasour, and would have rejoiced at seeing Amy his wife; still she would not influence Amy in any way, but leave her free to choose for herself; but since she loved no other,--and Mrs. Neville half sighed as if she almost doubted it,--she thought in time the young girl's heart might be won. And with this Robert Vavasour was obliged to be content. Content? he was anything but that; he was impatient, and fretted at the delay and slow progress he was making, he would have been more than human if he had not; but with Amy he was ever kind and gentle; she knew nothing, saw nothing of his anxious heart and sometimes despairing hopes.