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"So he persists in it?"

"And indeed, Rachel dear, I cannot help believing him If it had been

Francie, now; but I never knew Conrade tell an untruth in his life"

"You never knew, because you always believe him"

"And it is not only me, but I have often heard the Major say he could

always depend on Conrade's word"

Rachel's next endeavour was at gentle argument "It must be dreadful

to o on

undetected; and if only they were firm--" At thaton the lawn

"Didn't you lock the door? Has he broken out? How audacious!"

"I let hi to shut hi your pardon, dear Rachel; I am very sony for the poor little birds

and for Grace, but I am sure Conrade did not take it"

"How can you be so unreasonable, Fanny--the evidence," and Rachel went

over it all again

"Don't you think," said Fanny, "that soot into the

park?"

"My dear Fanny, I am sorry for you, it is quite out of the question to

think so; the place is not a stone's-throw fro in the world to let your weakness be imposed