Then Barnabas took it, and smoothing it
out, read these words:
Ronald dear, I'm sorry I didn't let you kiss me good-by. So
sorry that I am going to do all that a woman can to save you.
Mr. Chichester has learned your awful secret, and I am the price of
his silence. So, because of my promise to our dying mother, and because
life can hold nothing for me now, because life and death are alike to
me now, I am going to marry him to-night, at his house at Headcorn.
Good-by, Ronald dear, and that God may forgive and save you in this
life and hereafter, is the undying prayer of
Your Sister,
CLEONE.
Barnabas refolded the letter and, giving it back to Barrymaine, took
out Natty Bell's great silver watch.
"It is a long way to Headcorn," said he, "I must start at once!"
"Ah! You'll g-go then, Beverley?"
"Go? Of course!"
"Then, oh Beverley, whatever happens--whether you're in time or no,
you'll--k-kill him?"
"I think," said Barnabas, putting away his watch, "yes, I think I
shall."
"The house is called Ashleydown," continued Barrymaine feverishly,
"a b-big house about a m-mile this side the village.
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