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"We do not doubt you, Mr Wogan, but that written letter, giving o, I needs o A father's

authority! I cannot take that upon myself"

Clementina took a quick step across to her mother's side

"You did not hear," she said

"I heard indeed that Mr Wogan had burnt the letter"

"But under what stress, and to spare rain of hope Mother, this gentlereat risks for me,--how

great I did not know; even now in this one instance we can only guess

and still fall short of the mark"

The Princess-mother visibly stiffened with n the Prince consents, you an for assistance Wogan put his hand into

his pocket

"That sure sign I have," said he "It is a surer sign than any written

letter; for handwriting may always be counterfeit This could never be,"

and he held out on the paliven him on New Year's day "It is a jewel unique in all

the world, and the Prince gave it me It is a jewel he treasured not