I am affrighted for him, thinking he may have been struck some blow, and murdered, and hid away; and none will look for him but one who loves him--who loves him.

Could it be so ?--could it be?
You know the town's ways so well.

I pray you, tell me--in God's name I pray you!" "God's mercy!" Anne breathed, and from behind her hands came stifled sobbing.

My Lady Dunstanwolde bent down, her colour dying.
"Nay, nay," she said, "there has been no murder done--none! Hush, poor thing, hush thee.

There is somewhat I must tell thee." She tried to raise her, but the child would not be raised, and clung to her rich robe, shaking as she knelt gazing upward.
"It is a bitter thing," my lady said, and 'twas as if her own eyes were imploring.