in the right place, after all. But when she is
here, how are we to conceal her unhappy son's fate from her? It will be
more difficult than ever, now Jael Dence is in the house."

"Why so? We must take the girl into our confidence--that is all."

"The sooner the better then. Let us have her in here."

Jael was sent for, and Mr. Raby requested her to take a seat, and give
all her attention to something Dr. Amboyne had to say.

Dr. Amboyne then told her, with quiet earnestness, that Mrs. Little was
at present so ill and weak he felt sure the news of Henry's death would
kill her.

"Ay, poor soul!" said Jael, and began to cry bitterly.

The doctor held his peace, and cast a disconsolate look on Raby, as much
as to say, "We shall get no efficient aid in this quarter."

After a little while Jael dried her eyes, and said, "Go on, sir. I
must needs cry before you now and then: 'tisn't to say I shall ever cry
before HER."

"Well, then, if we CAN get her safe to this place, and keep her in the
dark for a few months, I think we may save her life. Every thing else
will be in her favor here: her native air, cherished memories, her
brother's love--and, after all, it was fretting about her quarrel with
him that first undermined her health and spirits. Well, we shall remove
the cause, and then perhaps the effect may go. But how are we to keep
the sad truth from her?"

"Let me think," said Jael Dence. "My head is a deal clearer since last
night."

She leaned her chin upon her hand, and her face and brow showed signs of
intellectual power no one had ever observed in them before.

"Who is to go for her?" said she at last.

"I am going myself."

"That is a mistake at starting, begging your worship's pardon. Why, the
very sight of you might startle her into her grave. Nay, you'll give me
the money--for mine is all in the savings bank--and I shall go for her
myself. I shall tell her squire is longing for her, and that I'm to be
here for fear she might feel strange. She always liked me, poor soul.
I shall get her safe here, you needn't fear for that. But when she is
here"--the chin rested on the hand again--"well, the doctor must forbid
visitors. Miss Grace must be told not to write. Every newspaper must be
read before she is allowed to see it. And, squire, you will be very
kind to her when you are in her company; but we must manage, somehow or
other, so that you can keep out of her way."

"What for, in heaven's name?"

"Sir