And
when they parted for the night there was such a tranquil, beautiful
expression in Tom's face, that she could not bear to shut it out, but
going back on tiptoe to his chamber-door, looked in and stood there till
he saw her, and then embracing him again, withdrew. And in her prayers
and in her sleep--good times to be remembered with such fervour,
Tom!--his name was uppermost.
When he was left alone, Tom pondered very much on this discovery of
hers, and greatly wondered what had led her to it. 'Because,' thought
Tom, 'I have been so very careful. It was foolish and unnecessary in
me, as I clearly see now, when I am so relieved by her knowing it; but I
have been so very careful to conceal it from her. Of course I knew that
she was intelligent and quick, and for that reason was more upon my
guard; but I was not in the least prepared for this. I am sure her
discovery has been sudden too. Dear me!' said Tom. 'It's a most singular
instance of penetration!'
Tom could not get it out of his head. There it was, when his head was on
his pillow.
'How she trembled when she began to tell me she knew it!' thought Tom,
recalling all the little incidents and circumstances; 'and how her
face flushed! But that was natural! Oh, quite natural! That needs no
accounting for.
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