with a sudden stab. A horror of the darkness fell on her. She
felt as if he were in the prison and she reproaching him, and cried
out--"O sir, forgive me. I forgot; I did not say it on purpose."

"No, my child, it was Mary speaking by your voice. No, Mary, I shall
never come out. It will never be paid."

She shook with fright as Jumbo touched her, saying, "Missee, go; mas'r
bear no more;" but, as she rose to go away, a sweet impulse made her
pause and say, "It is paid, _He_ paid. You know Who did--in his own
Blood."

Jumbo drew her away almost by force, and when outside, exclaimed,
"Missee never speak of blood or kill to mas'r--he not bear it. Head turn
again--see shapes as bad as ever."

The poor child cried bitterly, calling herself cruel, thoughtless,
presumptuous; and for the next few days Jumbo's eyes glared at her as he
reported his master to be very ill; but, on the third day, he came
for her as usual. She thought Mr. Belamour's tones unwontedly low and
depressed, but no reference was made to the Sunday, and she was glad
enough to plunge into the council of Olympus.

A day or two later, Dame Wheatfield sent her husband with an urgent
invitation to Miss Amoret with her sisters and cousin to be present at
her harvest home. Mrs. Aylward, with a certain tone of contempt, gave
her sanction to their going with Molly, by the help of the little pony
cart used about the gardens. Aurelia, in high glee, told Mr. Belamour,
who encouraged her to describe all her small adventures, and was her
oracle in all the difficult questions that Fidelia's childish wisdom was
wont to start.

"To Wheatfield's farm, did you say? That is in Sedhurst. There are but
three fields between it and the church."

Presently he added: "I am tempted to ask a great kindness, though I know
not whether it will be possible to you."

"Indeed, sir, I will do my utmost."

"There are two graves in Sedhurst Church, I have never dared to inquire
about them. Would it be asking too much from my gentle friend to beg of
her to visit them, and let me hear of them."

"I will, I will, sir, with all my heart."

By eight o'clock the next evening she was again with him, apologizing
for being late.

"I scarcely expected this pleasure to-night. These rural festivities are
often protracted."

"O sir, I was heartily glad to escape and to get the children away. The
people were becoming so rude and riotous that I was frightened. I never
would have gone, had I k