It is like a sword through my brain now!" "Let me call Clara." "No, no! not Clara.

Do not tell her, I will be quiet; indeed I will; only come back soon, soon; for I am all alone, alone!" And she threw herself down again upon her face.
Valencia went out.

Certain as she was of her sister's innocence, there was one terrible question in her heart which must be answered, or her belief in all truth, goodness, religion, would reel and rock to its very foundations.

And till she had an answer to that, she could not sit still by Lucia.
She walked hurriedly, with compressed lips, but quivering limbs, down stairs, and into the sitting-room.

Scoutbush was gone to bed.