"
"And--oh, you have seen him, you say,--lately?" she cried.
"Yes. And I sent him to Frittenden--to the 'Spotted Cow.' But
Clemency, he was just a day too late."
Now when Barnabas said this, Clemency uttered a broken cry, and
covered her face.
"Oh, father!" she whispered, "if I had only known,--if I could but
have guessed! Oh, father! father!"
"Clemency, why did you run away?"
"Because I--I was afraid!"
"Of Chichcster?"
"No!" she cried in sudden scorn, "him I only--hate!"
"Then--whom did you fear?"
Clemency was silent, but, all at once, Barnabas saw a burning flush
that crept up, over rounded throat and drooping face, until it was
lost in the dark shadow of her hair.
"Was it--the Viscount?" Barnabas demanded suddenly.
"No--no, I--I think it was--myself. Oh, I--I am very wretched
and--lonely!" she sobbed, "I want--my father!"
"And he shall be found," said Barnabas, "I promise you! But, until
then, will you trust me, Clemency, as--as a sister might trust her
brother? Will you let me take you from this dreary place,--will you,
Clemency? I--I'll buy you a house--I mean a--a cottage--in the
country--or anywhere you wish.
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