Jem's letters had not been frequent, nor
had they been remarkable for minuteness of detail respecting his own
life. Mrs. Agar had done her best to put a stop to this correspondence
altogether, and had succeeded in bringing about a subtle reserve on both
sides. She had persistently told Jem that Dora was evidently attached to
Arthur, and that their marriage was only the question of a few years. Of
this Jem had never found any confirmatory hint in Dora's letters, and
from some mistaken sense of chivalry refrained from writing to ask her
point-blank if it were true.
"And why," said Dora, "do you tell me this? In case what the gossips said
might be true?"
"Ye-es, dear, perhaps it was that."
"So as to save me from cherishing any mistaken memory?"
"Yes, it may have been that."
And Mrs. Agar was surprised to see Dora turn her back upon her as if she
had been something loathsome to look upon, and walk away.
CHAPTER XXV
FROM THE JAWS OF DEATH
When the heart speaks, Glory itself is an illusion.
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