Page 39 (1/2)

Mrs Fyne had only smiled at me very expressively, very self-confidently

"Oh I quite understand that you accept the fullest responsibility," I

said "I am the only ridiculous person in this--this--I don't kno

to call it--perforood-night--or good , in coht write My lodgings were nearer the post-office than the cottage

and I would send the I supposed

they would wish to coe, with the young lady's relatives

Fyne, he looked rather downcast by then, thanked rave

"No one," I exclaimed

"Practically," said curt Mrs Fyne

And ain

"Ah! I see An orphan"

Mrs Fyne looked aeary and sombre, and Fyne said "Yes" impulsively,

and then qualified the affirmative by the quaint stateuid, exhausted ee to be confronted outside its door by

the bespangled, cruel revelation of the Iht was not sufficiently advanced for the stars to have paled; and the

earth seemed to me more profoundly asleep--perhaps because I was alone

now Not having Fyne with me to set the pace I let myself drift, rather

than walk, in the direction of the farmhouse To drift is the only

reposeful sort of motion (ask any ship if it isn't) and therefore

consistent with thoughtfulness And I pondered: How is one an orphan "to

a certain extent"?

No amount of solemnity could e condition to be in Very likely one of the parents only