"I've got to stay out here and die. I ha'n't
got no mother, no home. I wish I was dead."

"Poor thing," muttered Aunt Abby; and
slyly providing her with some dinner, left her
to her grief.

Jane went to confer with her Aunt about the
affair; and learned from her the retreat. She
would gladly have concealed her in her own
chamber, and ministered to her wants; but she
was dependent on Mary and her mother for
care, and any displeasure caused by attention to
Nig, was seriously felt.

Toward night the coach brought James. A
time of general greeting, inquiries for absent
members of the family, a visit to Aunt Abby's
room, undoing a few delicacies for Jane, brought
them to the tea hour.

"Where's Frado?" asked Mr. Bellmont, ob-
serving she was not in her usual place, behind
her mistress' chair.

"I don't know, and I don't care. If she
makes her appearance again, I'll take the skin
from her body," replied his wife.