“I confess that I did not think of this view of the case when he first showed me this notice, and, therefore, I was utterly bowed down by the sight of it. But now, the more I reflect upon it, the more convinced I feel that it was the notice of a death in an August of some previous year. Why, now I think of it, the very paper was soft and dark, and the printing was blurred, as by age and handling.”
“Oh, mother, if I could but be certain that I am free!” sighed Odalite.
“Be certain of this—that you are free from him. He dare not return to this country to annoy you. He may write you threatening letters. Put them in the fire, and forget them.”
“And—and—and—dear, true, noble Le!” sighed the girl.
“Of course, there must be no thought of an engagement between Leonidas and yourself. He has given me his word of honor that there shall not be. You may correspond as brother and sister; but his letters to you must, as a mere matter of prudence, come under cover to me. In three years Le will return to us. Much may happen in three years! But, in the meantime, oh, my daughter! ‘keep innocency!’”
CHAPTER XLV
NEW YEAR’S EVE
For three days and nights the snow fell, covering all the ground for some feet deep.