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Now, as he finished reading, Barnabas frowned, tore the letter

across in sudden fury, and looked up to find Cleone frowning also: "You have torn my letter!"

"Abominable!" said Barnabas fiercely

"How dared you?"

"It is the letter of a coward and weakling!"

"My brother, sir!"

"Half-brother"

"And you insult him!"

"He would sell you to a--" Barnabas choked

"Mr Chichester is my brother's friend"

"His enemy!"

"And poor Ronald is sick--"

"With brandy!"

"Oh--not that!" she cried sharply, "not that!"

"Didn't you know?"

"I only--dreaded it His father--died of it Oh, sir--oh, Barnabas!

there is no one else ill help him--save him from--that! You

will try, won't you?"

"Yes," said Barnabas, setting his jaw, "no one can help a ainst his will, but I'll try And I ask you to remember that if I

succeed or not, I shall never expect any recompense from you, never!"

"Unless, Barnabas--" said Cleone, softly

"Unless--oh, Cleone, unless you should--some day learn to--love

me--just a little, Cleone?"

"Would--just a little, satisfy you?"

"No," said Barnabas, "no, I want you all--all--all Oh, Cleone, will

you o"

"Not yet,--pray not yet"

"Please, Barnabas I would not care to see Mr Chichester--to-night"

"No," sighed Barnabas, "you ain, Barnabas!" And she gave him her two hands So he stopped