"We brought Miss Braham home with us," said the elder lady, "and are now in great distress about her. I presume you are friends of hers."
"We are her most devoted friends," said Leonard, "and have been searching for her the whole of the day. My name is Leonard Paget; this is my brother Gerald."
The sisters were standing hand in hand, and at the mention of these names their fingers fluttered, then tightened in their clasp. Gerald found his voice.
"Is she ill?" he exclaimed. "Do not hide anything from me, I beg!"
The sisters looked nervously at each other; the elder was first to speak.
"Are you aware that we have received a visit from a lady well known in the town?"
"No," said Gerald. "Who is the lady and what has her visit to do with Miss Braham?"
There was a ring of genuine honesty in his voice, and it made its impression. The elder lady touched his arm gently.
"Tell me," she said, "In what special manner are you interested in Miss Braham?"
"Madam," replied Gerald, "I hope very soon to have the happiness of calling her my wife."
The sisters gave each other a bright look, and the younger lady said, "It is cold standing here, and my sister is not strong. Will you not walk into the house?"
They accepted the invitation, Gerald gladly, Leonard with curiosity as to what the sisters meant when they said they were in great distress about Emilia.
"Excuse my impatience," said Gerald, "but I implore you to allow me to see Miss Braham at once."
Their pity for him would not admit of Emilia's departure being immediately communicated to him; it must be led up to gently. But Gerald's indignation would not be restrained; before the conclusion of Mrs. Seaton's visit was recounted he interrupted the maiden sisters with the truthful version of Emilia's misfortunes and of the unhappy circumstances which compelled him to take her to his house a few hours before the fire. He blamed himself bitterly for the indiscretion, but asked them what else he could have done; and they, completely won over by his indignation and by the manifest honesty of his professions, threw aside for once all reserve and hesitation, and boldly declared that he could not have acted otherwise.
"Sister," said the elder to the younger, "the sweet young lady deserves our deepest pity, and is worthy of our love. Mr. Paget"--turning to Gerald--"Miss Braham will find a home here, and if she will consent, shall be married from our house."