t, Missus?"

If the woman had hoped to terrify Mabel Harrington by these words, she
was mistaken. A vague feeling of loneliness was upon her, but she had no
cowardly timidity to contend with.

"Don't pear skeery no how," said the woman.

"I am seldom afraid of anything," answered Mabel with a wan smile. "I
came to inquire for Miss Barker, if she is not here, tell me where she
can be found?"

"Done gone out to de hills, pears like she could not stay away from em."

"Was she your mistress in the south?" inquired Mabel, troubled by the
woman's voice.

"Pears so, Missus."

"Some one has managed to give her a fine education--I have seldom known
a young person so thoroughly accomplished," continued Mabel with
apparent calm, but keenly attentive to every word that fell from the
woman's lips. "General Harrington informed me that she came highly
recommended, but her attainments surprised us all."

"Oh yes, young missus knows heap 'bout dem books an pianers. Done born
lady, no poor white trash, gorry mighty knows dat."

"Her duties are more particularly with Miss Lina, Gen. Harrington's
adopted daughter, who makes no complaint against her--for myself, our
intercourse is very limited, but she pleases the General. We have
expected her at the house for several days, and thought it strange that
she did not return."

"Ben gone ebery day dis week, sartin sure, long walk, but her's ready
for it. Nebber gets home fore dark--walk, walk, walk, in de woods wid
Marsa James."

Mabel arose. A sickening sensation crept over her, and she went to the
open door for air.

It was true then--that suspicion was all true! Agnes Barker had been in
the neighborhood of her old home for a week, without the knowledge of
its mistress. That very day the girl had met James Harrington in the
hills. Her own eyes had seen them standing side by side in the sunset.

"'Pears like de Missus am sick," said the woman, coming toward her as
she stood cold and shuddering under this conviction.

"No," answered Mabel, gathering up her strength, but pressing both hands
upon her heart beneath the crimson folds of her shawl. "If Miss Barker
comes to the house again she will have the goodness to see that I am
informed. Miss Lina is anxious to renew her studies."

"Yes Missus."

"Give my message faithfully," answered Mabel. "I must speak with her
before the duties of her situation are resumed. Good night."

"Good night to you," muttered the woman, as Mabel