The relief was now merged in something else. Althea's heart seemed
standing still. It began to thump heavily as she opened the letter and
read what Helen wrote:
'DEAR GERALD,--I have some surprising news for you; but I hardly
think that you will be more surprised than I was. I am going to
marry Mr. Kane. I accepted him some days ago, but have been getting
used to the idea since then, and you are the first person, after
Aunt Grizel, who knows. It will be announced next week and we shall
probably be married very soon after you and Althea. I hope that both
our ventures will bring us much happiness. The more I see of Mr.
Kane, the more I realise how fortunate I am.--Yours affectionately,
'HELEN.'
Althea gazed at these words. Then she turned her eyes and gazed at
Gerald, who was not looking at her but straight before him. Her first
clear thought was that if he had received a shock it could not be
comparable to that which she now felt.
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