"Yes, I made Gadley consent. The Rector has it in writing, and it
will do quite as well if I die. O, Jenny, woman, think of my never
knowing what you had gone through!"
"Is it about Archie?" said Jenny, beginning to tremble.
"Yes. It will clear him."
"I always knew he was clear."
"Yes, but he can come back now all right. Eh! what an ass I am!
I've begun at the wrong end. He wasn't drowned--it was all a
mistake; Miles saw him in Africa--Cranky, I say, come to her."
"Yes, Master Herbert, you've been talking a great deal too much for
your sister just off a journey. You'll get the fever on again.
Miss Joanna, you ought to know better than to let him run on; I
sha'n't be able to let you do nothing for him if this is the way."
"Was it too sudden, Joan?" said Herbert, wistfully, as she bent to
kiss his brow with trembling lips. "I couldn't let any one tell you
but myself, while I could; but I don't seem able to go on. Is the
Rector there, Cranky?"
"Yes, sir, waiting in the parlour."
"Rector," and Julius hurried in at once, "take her and tell her.
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