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 made me what I am—cold, distrustful, unloved and unloving; but at least I am not false."

"No, my dear, that you certainly are not; I should say that, if anything, you were disposed to err the other way, to speak unpleasant truths, for fear you should not speak the truth at all."

"It may be so," said Rachel dejectedly, "I certainly do not make myself generally liked. There is one truth more, I must tell you before I enter your house, perhaps you will think it as unpleasant as all the others. One person in the world really does like me, at least, so he says, and that is your son-in-law; and as my presence in your house might lead to constant meetings with him, or might interfere with your comfort, should he wisely stay away, I feel you ought to know this before I accept your friendly offer. Now you know it, do you still choose to have me?"

"Of course I do, my dear child, all the more for the confidence you have shown me. I am sure I wish with all my heart you