Thou canst ask if aught has been heard of him.

I trust no mishap has befallen the lad.

He promised us news of himself ere now." Had the room been less dim and dark, Martin might have seen the sudden alternations of red and white in Cherry's cheek as these last words were spoken; but the twilight was drawing in apace, and she kept her face down bent.

But her heart was beating fast with throbs of gladness as well as astonishment.

The idea of being sent away from home to the house of strangers was something fearful, but the last clause had given her food for eager anticipation.