SOUNDS IN THE NIGHT


Dearest Mother:

Where could we go that disgrace would not follow us? Let us
then accept the judge's offer. I am the more inclined to do
this because of the possible hope that some day he may come
to care for me and allow me to make life a little brighter
for him. The fact that for some mysterious reason he feels
himself cut off from all intercourse with his son, may prove
a bond of sympathy between us. I, too, am cut off from all
companionship with Oliver. Between us also a wall is raised.
Do not mind that tear-drop, mamma. It is the last.

Kisses for my comforter. Come soon.

REUTHER.

Over this letter Deborah Scoville sat for two hours, then she rang
for Mrs. Yardley.

The maid who answered her summons surveyed her in amazement. It
was the first time that she had seen her uncovered face.

Mrs. Yardley was not long in coming up.

"Mrs. Averill--" she began in a sort of fluster, as she met her
strange guest's quiet eye.