Oh, how he loved her; and how it thrilled him, that any words of his should have the power to make her beautiful countenance brighten like that.
“Yes, you shall have them again,” he said. “I cannot restore them to you to-day, but just as soon as my father returns I shall acquaint him with what has happened, and he will see that justice is done.”
“Thank you,” Brownie said, appreciating his kindness, yet fearing that his mother and sister would outwit him, and influence his father against her.
“I feel deeply mortified,” he went on, dropping his eyes, “that anyone who is akin to me should be guilty of doing what my sister did yesterday; and the treatment which you afterward received—there can be no excuse for it.”
“Do not speak of it again, Mr. Coolidge; it is past and cannot be recalled. Your kindness and sympathy have lightened my heart already; and as I go away, it will be a comfort to know that I have your esteem and friendship.”
“Go away! What do you mean?” he asked looking up startled.
His mother had not told him that she was going away.
“Surely you do not think that I would remain where my truth and honesty are called in question!” she replied, with dignity.
“Where will you go?” and his brow contracted with pain.
She could not stay; it were folly to think of it, he knew.