"He has been ill. I think he is better now."
"Why does he not come to me, or send to me; or let me know something? It is cruel, is it not? Tell me,--you must know,--does he really care for me?"
Hetta was exceedingly perplexed. The real feeling betrayed by the girl recommended her. Hetta could not but sympathize with the affection manifested for her own brother, though she could hardly understand the want of reticence displayed by Marie in thus speaking of her love to one who was almost a stranger. "Felix hardly ever talks about himself to me," she said.

"He has been ill. I think he is better now."
"Why does he not come to me, or send word to me? It is cruel, is it not? Tell me - you must know - does he really care for me?"
Hetta was exceedingly perplexed. The real feeling shown by the girl made Hetta sympathize with her, though she could hardly understand Marie's lack of reticence in speaking of her love to one who was almost a stranger.
"Felix hardly ever talks about himself to me," she said.
