"
"Your what?" said I dismayed. "Who did you say?"
"My young man," repeated Annie; "Edward Fuller, from the next farm. He
and me have been keeping company since Christmas only, but I've known
him all my life. We always sat together in school; he used to do my sums
for me, and I've got still a box full of slate pencil ends which he had
touched."
So my card castle came to the cloth. Here was a genuine case of true
idyllic boy and girl love, that had strengthened and ripened with mature
years. Annie had no more given me a thought--what an ass, what an idiot
I am! But really, I think Catherine's cruelty has turned my brain. I am
become ready to plunge into any folly.
And it would have been folly. After the first second's surprise and
mortification, I felt my spirits rise with a leap. I was suddenly
dragged back from moral suicide. The fascinating temptation was placed
for ever beyond my reach. And it was Edward Fuller who thus saved me!
Good young man! I fall upon your neck in spirit, and kiss you like a
brother.
I am still free! who knows what to-morrow may bring.
April 14.--To-morrow is here and has brought a letter from Catherine.
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