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Audrey Mary Johnston 8890K 2023-09-01

let fall a shaft of e itself, set for a

hall in Utica, with five cane chairs, an ancient settle, and a Spanish

table On the settle, in the pale gold of the falling light, sat Audrey,

her hands clasped over her knees, her head thrown back, and her eyes fixed

upon the shadowy, chill, and soundless space before her Upon Haward's

speaking her na her hands, turned toward him

He came and leaned upon the back of the settle "You sent for htly upon her hair

She shrank from his touch "The minister made me write the letter," she

said, in a low voice "I did not wish to trouble you, sir"

Upon her wrist were dark marks "Did Darden do that?" demanded Haward, as

he took his seat beside her

Audrey looked at the bruise indifferently; then with her other hand

covered it froht "I have a favor to ask of Mr Haward," she said "I

hope that after his reatest one If he should grant ratitude which I must

needs already feel toward him will be increased tenfold" The words came

precisely, in an even voice