"Sophy," then said Mrs. Crane, "you say you will not act unless your
grandfather be with you. Now, hear me. You know that I have been always
stern and hard with you. I never professed to love you,--nor do I. But
you have not found me untruthful. When I say a thing seriously, as I am
speaking now, you may believe me. Act to-night, and I will promise you
faithfully that I will either bring your grandfather here, or I will
order it so that you shall be restored to him. If you refuse, I make no
threat, but I shall leave this place; and my belief is that you will be
your grandfather's death."

"His death! his death! I!"

"By first dying yourself. Oh, you smile; you think it would be happiness
to die. What matter that the old man you profess to care for is broken-
hearted! Brat, leave selfishness to boys: you are a girl! suffer!"

"Selfish!" murmured Sophy, "selfish! that was said of me before.
Selfish! ah, I understand. No, I ought not to wish to die: what would
become of him?" She fell on her knees, and raising both her clasped
hands, prayed inly, silently, an instant, not more. She rose. "If I do
act, then,--it is a promise: you will keep it. I shall see him: he shall
know where I am; we shall meet!"

"A promise,--sacred. I will keep it. Oh, girl, how much you will love
some day! how your heart will ache! and when you are my age, look at that
heart, then at your glass; perhaps you may be, within and without, like
me."

Sophy, innocent Sophy, stared, awe-stricken, but uncomprehending; Mrs.