THE GOOD MISS KENDRICKS. 17

the most charitable of women; and whilst Leonard
read to her in pious books, I went on her errands of
benevolence: but I never went alone. Leonard is
simple-hearted and unsuspecting as a child, and never
seemed to notice the intimacy between Henry and
me. I was happy—oh, how happy!—in my love ;
and, though Henry never formally avowed his passion
for me, his looks and actions bespoke it as plainly as
words. His uncle wished him to marry the daughter
of a rich neighbouring squire: his mother also
acquiesced in it ; for, as he was his uncle's heir, she
consulted his wishes in all things. He himself, how-
ever, did not second their plans—at least, he told me
so; adding, that he meant to marry to please only
himself, and would give his hand where he had
already given his heart. I left Winston, to return,
as I fondly hoped, in a few months; and ah, how
impatiently did I look forward to that time! Heaven
forgive me, if in it I forgot everything. All that
followed you know Henry Ashdown never in-
quired after me; how was it likely that he would
marry me, disfigured and blind? Oh, Almighty
God, why was I spared to become the poor object
that I am!”

Again Dorothy paused, and agaih the two sisters
mingled their tears. ‘ Yes, I know what followed,”
said Joanna, at length. |

** Leonard's letters,” continued Dorothy, “told of
Henry’s marriage and residence at the Hall. How
could I then go to Winston ?—how could I, blind
though I am, sit in the same church with Henry and
his bride? Oh, Joanna, what wonder then was it,
when your sorrows came, that I could enter into
your heart, and sympathise so deeply with you!

c 2