"I have nothing to fear; I am only telling the truth." With that he turned to Naomi, and began his narrative, as nearly as I can remember, in these words: "I may as well make a clean breast of it at starting, my girl.

After Mr.Lefrank left us that morning, I asked Silas how he came by my stick.

In telling me how, Silas also told me of the words that had passed between him and John Jago under Mr.Lefrank's window.

I was angry and jealous; and I own it freely, Naomi, I thought the worst that could be thought about you and John." Here Naomi stopped him without ceremony.
"Was that what made you speak to me as you spoke when we found you at the wood ?" she asked.
"Yes." "And was that what made you leave me, when you went away to Narrabee, without giving me a kiss at parting ?" "It was." "Beg my pardon for it before you say a word more." "I beg your pardon." "Say you are ashamed of yourself." "I am ashamed of myself," Ambrose answered penitently.
"Now you may go on," said Naomi.

"Now I'm satisfied." Ambrose went on.
"We were on our way to the clearing at the other side of the wood while Silas was talking to me; and, as ill luck would have it, we took the path that led by the lime-kiln.