they are, lass," he almost shouted as he laid the parcel hurriedly on
the table. "And now, Mary, quick, go and tell her, and as soon as she
finds 'em I'll go and fix the maister."

Mary needed no second bidding, but hurried away, while John left by a
door that led to his master's study.




CHAPTER III.

RECONCILED.


"But ties around this heart were spun
That could not, would not, be undone!"

When Mrs. Townsley entered the parlor her face was pale and careworn.
As she seated herself some little distance from the table, bearing the
precious parcel upon which so many hopes were now founded, she looked
up at the clock.

"I could not go out to-night; he will be leaving soon"--there was a
touch of wistfulness in her voice. She sat for a little time sadly
turning round and round the plain gold ring on her left hand. "If he
had threatened anything else but to desert me," she went on again
presently, "I could go to him; but it's no use in trying, I cannot do
it."