CHAPTER XXIX.
When Dr.Howe reached his own door, Helen was waiting for him.
She had been sitting on the porch alone for more than an hour.

She had been very quiet; there was none of that restlessness which excitement produced in her uncle or cousin; but when she saw Dr.Howe, she rose, and stood trembling at the head of the steps.

The rector flung himself out of the carriage almost before it stopped.
"I want to see you, Helen," he said.

"I have something to say to you.
Come into the library." She followed him silently, and when he had closed the door he turned and looked at her.

"Now, my child," he began, "you must listen to what I have to say." He stood with one hand on his hip, and lifted the forefinger of the other as he spoke.