He went from them to my father, and offered his hand doubtingly, as if afraid it might be refused.
Papa took it in both his own. An instant later Mr. Axtell came to me. Surely he had no forgiveness to ask of Anna Percival. No; he only said, and I am certain that no one heard, save me, "I thank God that He has not let me shadow your life. Farewell!"
He left the room. We all looked, one at another, in that dim astonishment which is never expressed in words. Papa broke the spell by putting on fresh coals.
Miss Lettie said, "Poor Abraham!" and yet she looked so happy, so as I had never seen her yet!
A few moments later Jeffy came rushing in, his eyes dilate with amazement.
"The gentleman is gone," he said, "gone entirely."
It was even so. Mr. Axtell had gone, no one knew whither. It was late at night, when a letter came for Doctor Percival by a special messenger.
I never saw it. I only know that in it Mr. Axtell explained his intention of absence, and wrote, for his sister's sake, to make arrangements for her future. She was to return to Redleaf, at such time as she chose to go hence, with Mr. McKey; and to Aaron's and Sophie's care Mr. Axtell committed her.
Papa gave the letter to Miss Lettie. She read it in silence, and her face was immovable. I could divine nothing from it.
Last March! how long the time seems! Scarce six months have gone since I gave the record, and now the summer is dying.