n to the very
dregs.

Poor Rex! he little knew this was but the first stroke of Pluma
Hurlhurst's fatal revenge--to remove her rival from her path that she
might win him back to his old allegiance.

* * * * *

Early that morning there had been great bustle and stir in the Brooks'
cottage. In vain Daisy had attempted to steal quietly away into her
own little room and write a hasty line to Rex, which, if all other
means failed her, she could send to him by one of the men employed in
the fields, begging him to come to her at once. Septima would not
leave her to herself for a single instant. Even her writing-desk,
which had stood on the bureau in the corner for years, was gone. Poor
little Daisy cried out to herself--fate was against her.

"I should like to say good-bye to the old familiar scenes, Septima,"
she said, making a desperate effort to meet Rex by some means. "I
should like to see the old magnolia-tree down in the glade just once
before I go."

"Nonsense," replied Septima, sharply, a malicious smile hovering about
the corners of her mouth. "I guess the trees and the flowers won't
wither and die of grief if you don't bid them good-bye; it's too late
now, anyhow. See, here is the stage coming already," she cried,
glancing out of the window, "and here comes John with his valise and
umbrella. Make haste, Daisy; where's your gloves and satchel?"

For one brief instant Daisy stood irresolute; if she had only dared
cry out to them "I am a bride; it is cruel to send me away from Rex,"
what a world of misery might have been spared her! but her lips were
sealed.

"Well, well," cried John Brooks, hurriedly entering the room; "not
ready yet, little girlie? We must be off at once or we will miss the
train."

In vain Daisy protested brokenly she could not go, and the agony in
those blue uplifted eyes would have touched a heart of stone. Still
John Brooks believed it would be a sin to comply with her request. Go
to school she must, for Heaven had intended a cultured mind should
accompany so beautiful a face. Half lifting, half carrying the slight
figure in his powerful arms, Daisy was borne, half fainting and
sobbing as though her heart would break, to the vehicle which stood in
waiting.

On through the fragrant stillness of that sunshiny summer morning the
jolting stage rolled rapidly on its way, crossing the little bridge
where she had lingered only the night before with R