-pigeon he had
shot. What use to tell such things to his daughter, whose life was
laid in ruins by that sin of his youth? Those tragical eyes would
confute her in the midst of her excuses. She could not yet make any
plea for forgiveness for the dead man.

"Mother Mary Benedicta would be gentle with you," she said, "if you
will not come to Castle Talbot. But, dear, no one need know. You
shall take Eileen's place with me. You shall be my little daughter."

Her loving heart was running away with her. Shawn would never forgive
her if she brought Stella to Castle Talbot, to which Terry might return
at any time. Mary Benedicta would know how to tend the wounded spirit,
if poor little Stella would but consent.

"It is getting late," said Stella, breaking in on the confusion of her
thoughts. Her voice, which seemed drained of tears, was suddenly
composed. "You will be late for lunch."

"And you, Stella, what about _your_ lunch?"

She could have cried out on the futility of this talk of lunches.

Stella shook her head.

"There is food here if I want it. My mother had taken to storing
dainty food for me, since I have been so much with her, as though her
food was not good enough for me. I shall not starve, Lady O'Gara."

"Stella, I tell you it is impossible for you to stay here alone."

Lady O'Gara spoke almost sharply. She had a foreboding that Stella's
will would be too strong for her.

"She will come back. She has left everything behind; even her purse
with money in it. She must find me here when she comes home. We can
go away together."

Lady O'Gara looked at the little face in despair. It was so set that
it was not easy to recognize the soft Stella who had crept into all
their hearts. Even Shawn had felt her charm though he had locked the
door of his heart against her. A thought came to Lady O'Gara's mind.
Stella's remaining at the cottage for the present would at least give
time. Prudence whispered to her that she must not bring Stella to
Castle Talbot. She might have felt equal to opposing Shawn, but,
perhaps, she was relieved by the chance of escape. Shawn was not
well--those dark shadows were more and more noticeable in his face.
Other people had begun to see them and to ask her if Sir Shawn was not
well. Presently Stella might be more amenable to reason, and go to
Mother Mary Benedicta at St. Scholastua's Abbey. Benedicta was like
her name. She, if any one, could salve the poor child