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"Oh, that can't be Bessie said you always took up whatever other people

hated, and I know it is only that--"

"Don't let Bessie's sayings cooes too

deep," and he had almost taken her hand, ith a start she drew it

back, saying, "But you knohat they say!"

"Have they been stupid enough to tell you?" he exclaimed "Confute them

then, Rachel--dolts that can't believe in self-devotion! Laugh at their

beards This is the way to put an end to it!"

"Oh no, they would only detest you for ain with shame and dejection

"I'll take care of that!" he said with the dry tone that perhaps was

above all reassurance, and conquered her far enough to enable him to

take possession of the thin and still listless hand

"Then," he said, "you will let me take this whole matter in hand; and if

the worst comes to the worst, ill make up to the charity out of the

Indianthe mother"

"I can't let you suffer for my miserable folly"

"Too late to say that!" he answered; and as her eyes were raised to hiravely, "These last weeks have shown me

that your troubles must be mine"