moment before dying a sudden death in the face of a
parting which, in the nature of things, must be for ever.

"Uncle Bernard," she said softly, "if your Ned were alive, and you were
in trouble, you would like him to hurry home to you, whatever it might
cost! And if She were alive, and poor and distraught, you would rather
he worked for her, than left her that he might fill the greatest post on
earth. Judge us by that thought when you feel inclined to be hard! I
know you don't like kissing people, so I am going to kiss you instead.
There! Good-bye; and God bless you!"

She turned away with tears in her eyes, but half-way to the door the
sound of her own name made her pause.

"Mollie!" he cried, in a sharp, resolute voice, which sent her heart
beating with sudden hope.

But, even as her eyes met his, his expression changed once more.

"No, no; it is better as it is! I have nothing to say!"

Mollie turned away sadly and walked out of the room.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

LEAVING THE COURT.

The news of the girls' sudden flight spread to the vicarage, and brought
Mrs Thornton rushing up to the Court, hot and panting, and almost
incoherent with curiosity and dismay. When she heard of the trouble
which was the cause of their departure, her best side came out, and she
helped the girls in both word and deed through the last difficult hours.
It was a comfort to find someone who agreed with their decision, and
was convinced that they were acting aright in returning home, even in
defiance of Uncle Bernard's wishes.

"The maid cries, and Bates looks as if he would like to murder us, Mr
Druce keeps out of the way and says nothing, and Jack Melland, who is so
keen on taking his own way, has half a dozen compromises to suggest.
Actually he offered to go to Liverpool himself and find out if we could
be of any use if we returned! It was sweet of him, but we must be of
use. There is no option in the matter, and it is not reasonable to
expect mother to discuss private affairs with a stranger."

"Of course not; but I love him for having suggested it. Of course, no
one wants you to go, dear Ruth. It is a terrible collapse to all our
bright schemes, but with such trouble at home you have no choice, and
there is nothing gained by staying on for a few odd days. Better hurry
back and bend all your energies to see what can be done to retrieve
matters, and look forward to the day when you will return for good."

Ruth shoo