But, good as she was to us and to all, Ethel Newcome was the French
lady's greatest favourite. A bond of extreme tenderness and affection
united these two. The elder friend made constant visits to the younger at
Newcome; and when Miss Newcome, as she frequently did, came to Rosebury,
we used to see that they preferred to be alone; divining and respecting
the sympathy which brought those two faithful hearts together. I can
imagine now the two tall forms slowly pacing the garden walks, or
turning, as they lighted on the young ones in their play. What was their
talk! I never asked it. Perhaps Ethel never said what was in her heart,
though, be sure, the other knew it. Though the grief of those they love
is untold, women hear it; as they soothe it with unspoken consolations.
To see the elder lady embrace her friend as they parted was something
holy--a sort of saintlike salutation.
Consulting the person from whom I had no secrets, we had thought best at
first not to mention to our friends the place and position in which we
had found our dear Colonel; at least to wait for a fitting opportunity on
which we might break the news to those who held him in such affection.
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