It was like a completion of her
punishment--the broken reed on which she leant had pierced her
deeply.
She was still sitting on the side of her bed, weeping, when a slight
tap at the door made her start--a gentle tap, the sound of which she
had learned to love in her illness. The next moment Alethea stood
before her, with outstretched arms. This was a time to feel the
value of such a friend, and every suspicion passing from her mind,
she flew to Alethea, kissed her again and again, and laid her head on
her shoulder. Her caress was returned with equal warmth.
'But how is this?' said Alethea, now perceiving that her face was
pale, and marked by tears. 'How is this, my dear Lily?'
'Oh, Alethea! I cannot tell you, but it is all misery. The full
effect of my baneful principle has appeared!'
'Has anything happened?' exclaimed Alethea.
'No,' said Lily. 'There is nothing new, except the--Oh! I cannot
tell you.'
'I wish I could do anything for you, my poor Lily,' said Alethea.
'You can look kind,' said Lily, 'and that is a great comfort. Oh!
Alethea, it was very kind of you to come and speak to me. I shall do
now--I can bear it all better.
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