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Cathy's ti near; I found her on the balcony outside her bedrooies to Kevin, Jessie dear," she said, holding her hand out to e Cathy wore only her shift and her beautiful face ollen and blotchy Her belly was enore in her

"Cathy dear," I said, kneeling beside her "Are you well?"

"Oh, yes, dear, I a at me "I'm told that I ahed with her "Oh! I'm sure you will not do that," I said

"I just do not kno I shall live for another week," she sighed, and tears filled her beautiful green eyes

Tears sprang swiftly to !"

She patted my hand "Pay me no heed," she said "I'm told also that it is quite ordinary for a woman in my condition to weep often and copiously!"

I kissed her hand Her fingers were like sausages "Is there anything you need, dear?"

"No, thank you, Jessie I have everything I need I must only wait"

At dinner, I was equally shocked by John's appearance His face was haggard, and deep shadows marked his beautiful blue eyes I tried not to stare at him, and attempted to make polite conversation

I had never felt that I knew John Belden well He was so citified and educated; all of us planter's children, educated at home in the colony, were quite different from him He could play cards and fence and race as well as any of the boys; but to him these activities were but childish diversions He was overnment; his musical talent and ability set him apart from anyone any of us had ever known, and in our minds did not mesh with his other interests He was a manyfaceted person, compared to the rest of us, ere simple country people who lived our simple country life with all of our hearts

Perhaps on this visit I would begin to know him better I took his arht There were only the two of us at the table

"Cathy looks well," I said, having taken a sip frolass