Would that she were free to tell the poor, blind, helpless man the ghastly truth! "My friend, dad! What makes you think that ?" "Because he is always singing your praises, both to me and your mother." "Then I tell you that his expressions of opinion are false, dear dad." "How ?" She was silent.

She dared not tell her father the reason; therefore, in order to turn the subject, she replied, with a forced laugh, "Oh, well, of course, I may be mistaken; but that's my opinion." "A mere prejudice, child; I'm sure it is.

As far as I know, Flockart is quite an excellent fellow, and is most kind both to your mother and to myself." Gabrielle's brow contracted.

Disengaging herself, she rose to her feet, and, after a pause, asked, "What reply shall I send to the report, dad ?" "Ah, that report!" gasped the man, huddled up in his chair in serious reflection.

"That report!" he repeated, rising to straighten himself.
"Reply in these words: 'No effort is to be made to save the child's life.