And on her part； she seemed to watch over others； and was never easy unless all whom she loved were together in the cottage。
When Harry came home in the evening； she could not restrain expressions of child…like joy； very unlike her usual manner； which was rather reserved than demonstrative。 As soon as day broke； she was astir before anyone else； and her constant uneasiness lasted all day until the hour of return home from work。
Harry became very anxious that their marriage should take place。 He thought that； when the irrevocable step was taken； malevolence would be disarmed； and that Nell would never feel safe until she was his wife。 James Starr； Simon； and Madge； were all of the same opinion； and everyone counted the intervening days； for everyone suffered from the most unfortable forebodings。
It was perfectly evident that nothing relating to Nell was indifferent to this hidden foe； whom it was impossible to meet or to avoid。 Therefore it seemed quite possible that the solemn act of her marriage with Harry might be the occasion of some new and dreadful outbreak of his hatred。
One morning； a week before the day appointed for the ceremony； Nell； rising early； went out of the cottage before anyone else。 No sooner had she crossed the threshold than a cry of indescribable anguish escaped her lips。
Her voice was heard throughout the dwelling； in a moment； Madge； Harry； and Simon were at her side。 Nell was pale as death； her countenance agitate