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"Pip," said Joe, appearing a little hurried and troubled, "there has

been larks And, dear sir, what have been betwixt us--have been"

At night, when I had gone to bed, Joe cah my recovery He asked ?

"Yes, dear Joe, quite"

"And are always a getting stronger, old chap?"

"Yes, dear Joe, steadily"

Joe patted the coverlet on ood hand, and

said, in what I thought a husky voice, "Good night!"

When I got up in the er yet, I was full of

my resolution to tell Joe all, without delay I would tell hio to his room and surprise him;

for, it was the first day I had been up early I went to his room, and

he was not there Not only was he not there, but his box was gone

I hurried then to the breakfast-table, and on it found a letter These

were its brief contents:-"Not wishful to intrude I have departured fur you are well again dear

Pip and will do better without JO

"PS Ever the best of friends"

Enclosed in the letter was a receipt for the debt and costs on which I

had been arrested Down to that moment, I had vainly supposed that s until I should be quite

recovered I had never drea paid the money; but Joe

had paid it, and the receipt was in his name