We are never long so totally abstracted by our own feelings as to be unconscious of the attempts of others to please us.  In Alicia, to be conscious of it and to be grateful was the same movement.  Yet she was sensible that so many persons could not in that short period have become seriously interested in her.  The observation did not escape her how much an English stranger is looked up to for fashion and taste in Edinburgh, though possessing little merit save that of being English; yet she felt gratified and thankful for the kindness and attention that greeted her appearance on all sides.

Amongst the many who expressed goodwill towards Alicia there were a few whose kindness and real affection failed not to meet with a return from her; and others whose rich and varied powers of mind for the first time afforded her a true specimen of the exalting enjoyment produced by a communion of intellect.  She felt the powers of her understanding enlarge in proportion; and, with this mental activity, she sought to solace the languor of her heart and save it from the listlessness of despair.

Alicia had been about six weeks in Edinburgh when she received a letter from Lady Audley.  No allusions were made to the past; she wrote upon general topics, in the cold manner that might be used to a common acquaintance; and slightly named her son as having set out upon a tour to the Continent.

Alicia’s heart was heavy as she read the heartless letter of the woman whose cruelty ad not been able to eradicate wholly from her breast he strong durable affection of early habit.

Sir Duncan and Alicia spent two months in Edinburgh, at the end of which time they went to his country seat in—–­shire.  The adjacent country was picturesque; and Sir Duncan’s residence, though bearing marks of the absence of taste and comfort in its arrangements, possessed much natural beauty.

Two years of tranquil seclusion had passed over her head when her dormant feeling were all aroused by a letter from Sir Edmund.  It informed her that he was now of age; that his affection remained unalterable; that he was newly arrived from abroad; and that, notwithstanding the death-blow she had given to his hopes, he could not refrain, on returning to his native land, from assuring her that he was resolved never to pay his addresses to any other woman.  He concluded by declaring his intent on of presenting himself at once to Sir Duncan, and soliciting his permission to claim her hand:  when all scruples relating to Lady Audley must, from her change of abode, be at an end.

Alicia read the letter with grateful affection and poignant regret.  Again she shed he bitter tears of disappointment, at the hard task of refusing for a second time so noble and affectionate a heart.  But conscience whispered that to hold a passive line of conduct would be, in some measure, to deceive Lady Audley’s expectations; and she felt, with exquisite anguish, that she had no means to put a final stop