Part 4 (2/2)

I followed him slowly and silently out of the smithy, down the lane and across the road to his little, rose-covered cottage We went round to the back of the house Jim held up his hand for caution, as he peeped in at the kitchenHe turned toeyes blind with tears

”Look in there,” he gulped ”That's y; she who never has had a sorrow since ets worse when I try to co on the edge of a chair and bending across the table

Her arms were spread out in front of her and her face was buried in them Her brown, curly hair rippled over her neck and shoulders like aher supple body I listened, andheart There was a fearful agony in her whole attitude

I turned aithout speaking and followed Ji pierced h all was not quite clear to

”Jim,--Jim,” I cried, ”surely you never fancied I--I was in any way to blame for this Why! Jihed unpleasantly ”No, George, no!--Oh! I can't tell you

Here----”

He went to his coat which hung from a hook in the wall He pulled a letter from his inside pocket ”Read that,” he said

I unfolded the paper, as he stood watchinghich I ell familiar

”My DEAR LITTLE PEGGY,

I am very, very sorry,--but surely you know that what you ask is impossible I shall try to find tiht at nine o'clock Do not be afraid, little woht You know I shall see that you are well looked after; that you do not want for anything

Burn this after you read it Keep our secret, and bear up, like the good little girl you are Yours affectionately,

H----”

As I read, my blood chilled init

”My God! Jim,” I cried, ”this is terrible Surely,--surely----”

”Yes! George,” he said, in a tensely subdued voice, ”your brother did that Your brother,--with his glib tongue and his masterful way

Oh!--well I know the breed They are to be found in high and low places; they are generally not much for a man to look at, but they are the kind no woets their soft side whether they be angels or she-devils Why couldn't he leave her alone?

Why couldn't he stay aall to think that his accursed money can smooth it over damn and curse hi to say My heart was too full for words and a great anger was surging within ainst my own flesh and blood

”Jim,--does thisover to his ”Does it, Jih way, and looked into my face Then he se, no! You're different: you alere different; you are the sae Brammerton to me;--still the sa here? You will proet into personal contact with Harry,--at least until I have seen hi's hiding, but I should like to see him and talk with him first”