the whole world and never rest till I find her!"

Priscilla looked at him, pityingly, tears springing again to her
eyes.

"Aye, you've lost the love o' your heart, my lad! I know that well
enough!" she said. "An' it's mighty hard on you! But you must be a
man an' turn to work as though nowt had happened. There's the
farm--"

"Yes, there's the farm," he repeated, absently. "But what do I
care for the farm without her! Priscilla, YOU will stay with me?"

"Stay with you? Surely I will, Mister Robin! Where should an old
woman like me go to at this time o' day!" and Priscilla took his
hand and clasped it affectionately. "Don't you fear! My place is
in Briar Farm till the Lord makes an end of me! And if the child
comes back at any hour of the day or night, she'll find old
Priscilla ready to welcome her,--ready an' glad an' thankful to
see her pretty face again."

Here, unable to control her sobs, she turned away and made a hasty
retreat into the kitchen.

He did not follow her, but acting on the sudden impulse of his
mind he entered the house and went up to Innocent's deserted room.
He opened the door hesitatingly,--the little study, in its severe
simplicity and neatness, looked desolate--like an empty shrine
from which the worshipped figure had been taken. He trod softly
across the floor, hushing his footsteps, as though some one slept