"Horrible!" cried David, sinking into a chair.

"Yes, more horrible than you know."

"Did he show no mercy? Was there no sign of pardon?"

"None! Granite is softer than his heart. Ice is warmer."

David rose and paced the floor. Pausing before Mantel, he said,
piteously, "Perhaps he will relent when Pepeeta comes!"

"Perhaps! Have you heard from her?"

"No, but her answer cannot be much longer delayed, for I have written
again and again."

"Something may have happened," said Mantel, who had lost all heart and
hope.

"Do not say it," David exclaimed, beseechingly.

"Well, but why does she not reply?"

"It is a long distance. She may have changed her residence. She may
never go to the postoffice. She may be sick."

"Or dead!" said Mantel, giving expression in two words to the fullness
of his despair.

"Impossible!" exclaimed David, his face blanching at this sudden