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Rabbit and I both stared at her

"Yes, you shall take Rabbit with you," she repeated "She was only learning to be a ladies' maid before Catherine was married; but she has been found to be a very co in"

Rabbit's eyes were huge, her face frightened

"Never fear, Rabbit; you shall do well!" said Mrs Randall "Do you not wish to serve Miss Jessie?"

"Oh, no,her head

An iratitude overwhelan, but she cut me off

"It is the least that I can do for you, Jessie I only pray that God will protect you and Robbie and bring you back to us when the time has passed, and the bairn with you"

I did not see Robbie that , nor was he at dinner; in the late afternoon I heard a horse and looked out to see hi across the field, hatless, naked to the waist, toward the barns I wondered what he was doing My heart squeezed infor hi, and my need to be with Robbie I lay down upon the bed and Rabbit sponged h I did not retch, the nausea was continuous

I did not want to go to supper; but I could not bear to stay in my room When I went downstairs, only Mr Randall had co to him, at least a word of thanks; but I did not want to break the silence, so I said nothing, but sipped at the wine, stirred the food onroom when Robbie entered the back of the house and strode in

He was dirty and disheveled, and he reeked of sweat His lips were flattened eariness; he looked as though he had spent the day gathering

He bowed to us "Pray forgive my attire, madam," he said to me, and to Mr Randall, "I believe all is ready, uncle"

Mr Randall said, "Very good, Robbie At what hour shall you depart?"

Robbie glanced at me "As early as possible, sir, that wement," said Mr Randall