’You told me yesterday morning that Thyrza still wished to marry me.  This note shows me why you said that, and in what sense you meant it.  I don’t blame you, Lydia; you were loyal to your sister.  But I must ask you something else now, and your answer must be the simple truth.  Does Thyrza love Mr. Egremont?’

‘Yes, Gilbert.’

She said it with failing voice, and, as soon as she had spoken, burst into tears.

’Oh, I have broken the promise I made to my dear one!  The last thing she asked, and perhaps I shall never see her again!  What could I do, Gilbert?  If I kept it back, you’d have thought there was something worse.  She seems to have behaved cruel to you, but you don’t know what she’s gone through.  She’s so ill; she’ll go somewhere and die, and I shall never hear her speak to me again!  I’ve been unkind to her so often; she doesn’t know how I love her!  Gilbert, help me to find her!  I can’t live without my sister.  Don’t be angry with her, Gilbert; she’s suffered dreadful; if you only knew!  She tried so hard.  Her last thought was about you, and how she could spare you.  Forgive her, and bring her back to me.  What shall we do to find her?  Oh, I can’t lose her, my little sister, my dear one!’

One would have thought Gilbert had no grief of his own, so anxiously did he try to comfort her.

‘Lyddy,’ he said, when she could listen to him, ’you are my sister, and will always be.  If I could think unkindly of Thyrza now, I should show that I was never worthy of her.  Don’t hurt me by saying such things.  We will find her; have no fear, we will find her.’

‘And you’ll do as she wished?  You’ll still go to the library?’

’I can’t think of myself yet, Lyddy.  You must have her back again, and there’ll be time enough to think of trifles.’

’But let me tell you all I know, Gilbert.  He doesn’t love her; you mustn’t think that.  There’s never been a word between them.  She went to help him with the books, and so it came on her.’

‘It’s true, then,’ he said gravely, ‘that they met there?’

’He didn’t encourage her.  She told me again and again he didn’t.  She went on Wednesday morning, and he never came.  That was on purpose, I’m sure.’

‘But why wasn’t I told about the books?’

’He wanted to surprise you.  And now he’s gone away, Gilbert.  He told her he wouldn’t be back till after her marriage.’

‘He’s gone away?’

She raised her face, and continued eagerly: 

’You see why he went, don’t you?  I had hard thoughts of him at first, but now I know I was wrong.  You think so much of him; you know he wouldn’t be so cowardly and wicked.  Thyrza told me the solemn truth; I would die rather than doubt her word.  You must believe her, Gilbert.  It’s all so hard!  She couldn’t help it.  And you mustn’t think harm of him!’

He said under his breath: 

‘I must try not to.’