صفحة 231 من 416

"Yes, I do. Exactly that. I knew the case myself in this very

village before Jim died. There are some men who instinctively

take the correct course in a matter of that kind; others who

don't care two pins as long as they get out of it with a whole

skin. Nat Burns was that kind."

"Then you mean he ought already to be married?"

"Yes, or in jail."

"Why isn't he?"

"It was entirely up to the girl and she refused to act."

"Gawd! My poor Nellie!"

The servant knocked, and, upon receiving permission to enter,

handed Elsa a telegram, evidently just delivered from the village

telegraph office. Unconsciously the girl reached into a

glass-covered bookcase and drew forth a paper volume. Then she

tore open the message and commenced to read it with the aid of

the book.

Mrs. Tanner did not notice her. She sat staring into the future

with a leaden heart. Such a thing as Elsa hinted at was unheard

of in Freekirk Head, and she was overwhelmed. Suddenly she asked: