Page 35 (1/2)

He resisted with all his ination, tried to bring himself back into sanity and to devise

schee,

he ht not be final

There was but one hope for him, one possibility of extrication, one

necessity--their ht be the consequences if they did not iven no explanation to her mother or sister of

the rupture, but one --nearly two months had now passed--Clara

did not appear at breakfast

'Clara is not here,' said Mrs Hopgood; 'she was very tired last

night, perhaps it is better not to disturb her'

'Oh, no! please let her alone I will see if she still sleeps'

Madge went upstairs, opened her sister's door noiselessly, saw that

she was not awake, and returned When breakfast was over she rose,

and after walking up and down the room once or twice, seated herself

in the armchair by her mother's side Her ently in her own

'Madge, '

'Cannot you tell ht to know so about such an event in the life of one so

close to eht as much; I honour you; a thousand times better that you

should separate now than find out your mistake afterwards when it is

irrevocable Thank God, He has given you such courage! But you must

have suffered--I know you hter

'Oh, e, 'what is the worst--at least to--

you--the worst that can happen to a wo presented itself which she