Page 190 (1/2)

"No; what should htin'!"

"And supposing I have--that is none of George's doing; he and I

are very good friends--why should we quarrel?"

"Then--then it weren't Jarge?"

"No--I have not seen hi her hand to her bosoo," she went on breathlessly

"Oh, Mr Peter! I've been so fearful for 'ee, and--and--you o away"

"Prudence," said I, "Prudence, what do you mean?"

For answer, she held out the cru characters, I read these words: "PRUDENCE,--I' away, I shall kill him else, but I shall

come back Tell him not to cross my path, or God help him,

and you, and me GEORGE"

"What does it all lancing at her I saw her cheeks, that had

seerow suddenly scarlet, and,

her distress, in that same instant I found the answer to e's letter over and

over, o away!" she repeated