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The next day, Friday, Gertrude broke the news of her stepfather's death

to Louise She did it as gently as she could, telling her first that

he was very ill, and finally that he was dead Louise received the

news in the most unexpected manner, and when Gertrude came out to tell

me how she had stood it, I think she was almost shocked

"She just lay and stared at lad, glad! And she is too honest to pretend anything

else What sort of , anyhow?"

"He was a bully as well as a rascal, Gertrude," I said "But I a; Louise will send for Halsey now, and they will

make it all up"

For Louise had steadily refused to see Halsey all that day, and the boy

was frantic

We had a quiet hour, Halsey and I, that evening, and I told hiive up the lease to Sunnyside, about

the telegrae

between the girl and Doctor Walker, and, last of all, my own intervieith her the day before

He sat back in a big chair, with his face in the shadow, andand so boyish! When I had

finished he drew a long breath