You
will receive this, I hope and believe, before R. T. can return to
Somersetshire. Telegraph back, I entreat you, to say that you are safe.
I shall follow my message if I do not hear from you in reasonable time."
Miss Lavinia lifted her gray head, and looked at her niece. "Is this
true?" she said--and pointed to the venerable face laid back, white, on
the white pillow of the bed. Natalie sank forward as her eyes met the
eyes of her aunt. Miss Lavinia saved her from falling insensible on the
floor.
* * * * * * * * *
The confession had been made. The words of penitence and the words of
pardon had been spoken. The peaceful face of the father still lay hushed
in rest. One by one the minutes succeeded each other uneventfully in the
deep tranquillity of the night. It was almost a relief when the silence
was disturbed once more by another sound outside the house. A pebble
was thrown up at the window, and a voice called out cautiously, "Miss
Lavinia!"
They recognized the voice of the man-servant, and at once opened the
window.
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