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A few days later, I akened from my afternoon rest by the sound of boots on the porch; then the door opened and I heard Robbie speak to Rabbit I sat up in bed quickly, blinking, s the ribbon of my shift He knocked softly at the door

"Co my hands in my lap

"I am sorry to wake you," he said, his hat still in his hand; "a letter has coether at my breast "From Cathy?"

"Nay, it is froain, and he held the letter out toon the outside; I realized that I had never before seen my own na I looked up, and Robbie atchinghis throat "I shall leave you," he said, bowing, and went out, closing the door softly

I broke the seal and unfolded the paper

"Dear daughter," the letter read "I regret that the first letter I have ever written to you brings you such grievous tidings; but I know of no other way for you to receive this news My heart is burdened with grief; I wish you were here that I ht clasp you in er mine, I must be content with it

"Your mother is dead She took her own life one week after you went away"

The writing faded before , which grew into wailing, and realized that the sound was co from my own throat I could not see I felt hands on me, heard voices, Robbie's and Rabbit's, and I thrashed and fought against thetheulfed ht; I could see the lightness even before I openedly hot I tried to turn my head, but I could not I tried to lift h my body was fused to the mattress beneathwhile, breathing and listening to the slow beats ofthe bed, and I saw that it was Rabbit