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Robbie and Kevin stood as I entered the room; I went toward theaze My stomach quaked; I sat and took a tiny sip of wine The hostess soon brought supper, which was a bowl filled with a thick stew; the smell almost drove me from the table I took a piece of bread but could not eat it

Robbie and Kevin did not notice me, and ate heartily

Finally Robbie put down his spoon and wiped his mouth "I have told Kevin of the expected bairn," he said, "and of your mother's attack on you"

I felt all the color leave e of the table I looked toward Kevin

"I'm sorry, lass, that I could not protect you from our mother," he said

I let my breath out "It is no matter," I said "Robbie protects me now"

"Indeed," said Kevin

Robbie looked away Beneath my discomposure and the nausea which was rew in me as never before I rose from the table; Kevin and Robbie stood "I feel quite unwell," I said; "If you will excuse me, I shall retire"

They bowed, and I turned and left the room; Rabbit followed me up the stairs

As she helped me to undress, tears filled my eyes I wiped them away, but they increased, and I wept into my hands until at last I retched into the cha rotten in my mouth Rabbit went downstairs and returned with rosewater, and sponged my face and neck

"There, now, Miss Jessie," she said "You very tired Another night of rest, you be feeling better"

The sounds of jovial voices and clattering dishes froht I could not possibly sleep But the cool, scented water soothedthe bedclothes comforted my body, if not my soul My tears dried

I was Robbie's wife now He wasour journey, he was necessarily preoccupied, but that e reached our destination, it would be different He would not keep distant froether as ere meant to do

______________________

The next day Rabbit was helping me dress after breakfast when there was a knock upon the door She opened it, and a servant gave her a letter addressed to me

It was from Mrs Johnson I sat down on the bed and read it