CHAPTER Twentieth.
"Before We end our pilgrimage, 'tis fit that we Should leave corruption, and foul sin behind us.
But with washed feet and hands, the heathen dared not Enter their profane temples: and for me To hope my passage to eternity Can be made easy, till I have shook off The burthen of my sins in free confession, Aided with sorrow and repentance for them, Is against reason." -- MASSINGER.
It began to be noticed that Wilkins Foster also had disappeared.

It was said that he had not been seen since the raid upon Fairview, and the general supposition was that he had taken part in the outrage, received a wound in the affray and, on the advent of the troops, had fled the country.
His mother and sisters led a very retired life seldom going from home except to attend church and even there they had been frequently missing of late.
Elsie had been much engaged in efforts to comfort her old friend, Mrs.
Carrington, and to entertain Mr.Lilburn, who was still at Ion; little excursions to points of interest in the vicinity, and visits to the plantations of the different families of the connection, who vied with each other in doing him honor, filled up the time to the exclusion of almost everything else, except the home duties which she would never allow herself to neglect.
Baskets of fruit and game, accompanied by kind messages, had found their way now and again from Ion to the cottage home of the Fosters, but weeks had passed since the sweet face of Ion's mistress had been seen within its walls.
Elsie's tender conscience reproached her for this, when after an absence of several Sabbaths Mrs.Foster again occupied her pew in the church of which both were members.
The poor lady was clad in rusty black, seemed to be aging fast, and the pale, thin face had a weary, heart-broken expression that brought the tears to Elsie's eyes.
When the service closed she took pains to intercept Mrs.Foster, who was trying to slip away unnoticed, and taking her hand in a warm clasp, kindly inquired concerning the health of herself and family.
"About as usual, Mrs.Travilla," was the reply.
"I am glad to hear it.

I feared you were ill.

You are looking weary; and no wonder after your long walk.

You must let us take you home.