He was coming to rejoin
them, and instantly into Edith's eyes there flashed a startled,
shrinking look, such as the recreant slave may be supposed to wear
when he hears his master's step. Grace knew the feeling which
prompted that look full well. She had felt it many a time, in an
intensified degree, stealing over her at the coming of one whose
snowy looks and gouty limbs had mingled many a year with the dust
of Shannondale, and on her lips the words were trembling, "This
great sacrifice must not be," when Edith sprang up, and running
out into the hall, met Richard as be came.
Leading him into the parlor, and seating him upon the sofa, she
aat beside him, holding his hand in hers, as if she thus would
defy her destiny, or, at the least, meet it bravely. Had Grace
known of Victor's new name for Edith she too would have called her
"Reed that bends," and as it was she thought her a most
incomprehensible girl, whom no one could fathom, and not caring to
tarry longer, soon took her leave, and the lovers were alone.
Arrived at home, Grace opened her writing desk and commenced a
letter, which started next day for Florida, carrying to Arthur St.
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