Page 2 (1/2)

The vicar of Sutton moved fretfully for a moment and then stopped to stare at her He reached a hand, and she took it to kiss his fingers “I’m here, Papa”

It had been a long and difficult night “Papa,” she said, gently brushing his hair back fro better” She didn’t believe her words, but she needed to comfort him somehow

“Hush, child, I need to reo … keep your secret close Never allow anyone to know, and never use it in any but life-and-death matters”

“Yes, Papa You and Maht me well, and I understand, so don’t worry,” she answered, laying a da forehead

“Yes, my dear … but there will be times when you are tempted to use what is in you … Be careful”

“Yes, Papa, I know,” she repeated He was saying good-bye How could she bear it?

“Your mother always told ift of many … that it had passed over her and into you”

“Don’t think about it, Papa”

“Hush now I have o to … Lady … Lady … I … ate …” His words were labored; she had to lean forward to hear him

“I know, Papa,” she said, the words catching in her throat as she struggled not to cry “I know”

“Proo to her … for the new vicar will arrive here … and you … will lose your hoht you would be safely o … My fault … all my fault”

“Nonsense—nothing is your fault”

“Proate protect you …” His voice was scarcely a whisper

“I proet better and …” He sluently “Papa?”

Realization sped through her, and with an anguished cry she bent her head onto his hand and sobbed