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It struck irl! Much s of that kind

"Well?" I asked benignantly, as she hesitated

"I want to ask your advice What shall I do?"

"Do?"

"Yes You see, Aunt Emily always told ot, or didn't think she was likely to die--anyway, I am not provided for! And I don't knohat to do Do you think I ought to go away from here at once?"

"Good heavens, no! They don't want to part with you, I'rass with her tiny hands Then she said: "Mrs Cavendish does She hates me"

"Hates you?" I cried, astonished

Cynthia nodded

"Yes I don't knohy, but she can't bear ," I said warmly "On the contrary, John is very fond of you"

"Oh, yes--John I meant Lawrence Not, of course, that I care whether Lawrence hates me or not Still, it's rather horrid when no one loves you, isn't it?"

"But they do, Cynthia dear," I said earnestly "I'm sure you are mistaken Look, there is John--and Miss Howard--"

Cynthia nodded rather gloomily "Yes, John likes ruff ways, wouldn't be unkind to a fly But Lawrence never speaks toherself to be civil toher to, but she doesn't want me, and--and--I don't knohat to do" Suddenly the poor child burst out crying

I don't knohat possessed linting down on her head; perhaps the sense of relief at encountering soedy; perhaps honest pity for her youth and loneliness Anyway, I leant forward, and taking her little hand, I said aardly: "Marry n remedy for her tears She sat up at once, drew her hand away, and said, with some asperity: "Don't be silly!"

I was a little annoyed

"I' you to do, and called me a "funny dear"