? ? ? ? 'There has been no change at home,' said Agnes, after a few moments.
? ? ? ? 'No fresh reference,' said I, 'to - I wouldn't distress you, Agnes, but I cannot help asking - to what we spoke of, when we parted last?'
? ? ? ? 'No, none,' she answered.
? ? ? ? 'I have thought so much about it.'
? ? ? ? 'You must think less about it. Remember that I confide in simple love and truth at last. Have no apprehensions for me, Trotwood,' she added, after a moment; 'the step you dread my taking, I shall never take.'
? ? ? ? Although I think I had never really feared it, in any season of cool reflection, it was an unspeakable relief to me to have this assurance from her own truthful lips. I told her so, earnestly.
? ? ? ? 'And when this visit is over,' said I, - 'for we may not be alone another time, - how long is it likely to be, my dear Agnes, before you come to London again?'
? ? ? ? 'Probably a long time,' she replied; 'I think it will be best - for papa's sake - to remain at home. We are not likely to meet often, for some time to come; but I shall be a good correspondent of Dora's, and we shall frequently hear of one another that way.'
? ? ? ? We were now within the little courtyard of the Doctor's cottage.
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