"Well, Mr. Patterson?" she said, inquiringly.
"Can you bear what I have to tell?" I asked.
"I can, whatever it may be," she answered.
"I have seen that face at River Hall."
She threw up her arms with a gesture of despair.
"And," I went on, "I may be wrong, but I think I am destined to solve
the mystery of its appearance."
She covered her eyes, and there was silence between us for a minute,
when I said:
"Can you give me the name of the person who told you I was at
River Hall?"
"I cannot," she repeated. "I promised not to mention it."
"He said I was in danger."
"Yes, living there all alone."
"And he wished you to warn me."
"No; he asked my aunt to do so, and she refused; and so I--I thought I
would write to you without mentioning the matter to her."
"You have done me an incalculable service," I remarked, "and in return I
will tell you something."
"What is that?" she asked.
"From to-night I shall not be alone in the house."
"Oh! how thankful I am!" she exclaimed; then instantly added, "Here
is my aunt."
I rose as Miss Blake entered, and bowed.
"Oh! it is you, is it?" said the lady. "The girl told me some one
was waiting."
Hot and swift ran the colour to my adored one's cheeks.
"Aunt," she observed, "I think you forget this gentleman comes from
Mr.
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