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284 |
THE BATTLE OF LIFE. |
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regular good creature in your way ; so shake hands, Clem. Whatever happens, I'll always take notice of you, and be a friend to you."
"Will you?" returned Clemency. "Well! that's very good of you."
" Yes, yes," said Mr. Britain, giving her his pipe to knock the ashes out of; "I'll stand by you. Hark! That's a curious noise !"
" Noise ! " repeated Clemency.
"A footstep outside. Somebody dropping from the wall, it sounded like," said Britain. " Are they all abed up stairs V
" Yes, all abed by this time," she replied.
" Didn't you hear anything ? "
"No."
They both listened, but heard nothing.
"I tell you what," said Benjamin, taking down a lantern. " I'll have a look round before I go to bed myself, for satisfaction's sake. Undo the door while I light this, Clemmy."
Clemency complied briskly; but observed as she did so, that he would only have his walk for his pains, that it was all his fancy, and so forth. Mr. Britain said " very likely; " but sallied out, nevertheless, armed with the poker, and casting the light of the lantern far and near in all directions.
"It's as quiet as a churchyard," said Clemency, looking after him ; " and almost as ghostly too ! "
Glancing back into the kitchen, she cried fearfully, as a light figure stole into her view, " What's that!"
" Hush ! " said Marion, in an agitated whisper. " You have always loved me, have you not! "
" Loved you, child ! You may be sure I have."
" I am sure. And I may trust you, may I not ? There is no one else just now, in whom I can trust."
" Yes," said Clemency, with all her heart.
"There is some one out there," pointing to the door, "whom I must see, and speak with, to-night. Michael Warden, for God's sake retire ! Not now !"
Clemency started with surprise and trouble as, following the direction of the speaker's eyes, she saw a dark figure standing in the doorway.
" In another moment you may be discovered," said Marion. " Not now ! Wait, if you can, in some concealment. I will come, presently."
He waved his hand to her, and was gone.
" Don't go to bed. Wait here for me !" said Marion, hurriedly. |
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