"Of course I did," cried the good woman, with a laugh that made her neckerchief tremble, and she shook the little hand that Julia gave with grateful warmth, over and over again. "Come, now, get your bonnet and things."
Julia looked at the matron.
"But I am a prisoner!"
"Nothing of the sort. I've bought you out; given bonds, or something. Robert can tell you all about it; but the long and short is, you're free as a blackbird. Can go home with me—grandma too, I'm old—I'm getting lonesome—want her to keep house when I'm in market, and you to take care of her."
"But grandfather—where is he? Oh! where is he?"
Mrs. Gray's countenance fell, and she seemed ready to burst into tears.
"Don't ask me; Robert must tell you about that. I did my best; offered to mortgage the whole farm to those crusty old judges, but it was of no use."
"We couldn't leave him here alone!" said Julia, with one of her faint, beautiful smiles.
Robert Otis came forward now.