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"No, I feel sure she will not She respects you more than any one, and

she would not put you off with fun as she does me Of course I could

not have told any one else, or asked any one else to speak to her, but

you There is no one else who could be such a friend to both of us"

Fred paused a ht to acknowledge that I have worked in order to pass She ought to

believe that I would exert myself for her sake"

There was a moment's silence before Mr Farebrother laid down his work,

and putting out his hand to Fred said--

"Very well, my boy I will do what you wish"

That very day Mr Farebrother went to Lowick parsonage on the nag which

he had just set up "Decidedly I aroses and sprinkling the petals

on a sheet The sun was low, and tall trees sent their shadows across

the grassy walks where Mary waswithout bonnet or parasol She

did not observe Mr Farebrother's approach along the grass, and had

just stooped down to lecture a s on the sheet and s at the rose-leaves as Mary