"Oh, thank you, thank you, so much. But you don't know Gabe as well as
I do. He will kill me if he knows I've been here."
"Indeed he will do no such thing, Hettie. Sit here and calm your mind.
I shall be back in a minute."
Mrs. Hampton hurried into the house, and in short time returned, carrying a small tray, containing a glass of home-made wine, and a plate of cake. This she placed on a small table near the agitated woman.
"Drink this, dear, and try some of my cake. They will refresh you."
Almost mechanically Mrs. Grimsby did as she was bidden, while Mrs. Hampton watched her curiously, wondering as to the cause of her excitement.
"Do you feel better now?" she asked, as the visitor replaced the glass upon the tray.
"Thank you, I do feel refreshed. But I must not stay long, though it is so comfortable here."
Thrusting her hand into the bosom of her dress, she brought forth a roll of bills, and laid it on Mrs. Hampton's lap.
"There, that's all I could find," she whispered. "He must have spent the rest."
"Why, what is this?" Mrs. Hampton asked in surprise as she picked up the money."