I thought it would be such a happy thing to
have Jane's kind heart drawn out; and if Barbara had forgiven the old
sore, and used her real admirable good sense affectionately, it would
have been like new life to them. Besides, it must make a great
difference to their income. But is it possible that it can be the
old prejudice, De la Poer? Barbara evidently dislikes the poor
child, and treats her like a state prisoner!"
Honour prevailed entirely above fear and curiosity. Out flew Kate,
to the exceeding amaze and discomfiture of the two gentlemen. "No,
no, Uncle Giles; it is--it is because I ran away! Aunt Barbara said
she would not tell, for if you knew it, you would--you would despise
me;--and you," looking at Lord de la Poer, "would never let me play
with Grace and Addy again!"
She covered her face with her hands--it was all burning red; and she
was nearly rushing off, but she felt herself lifted tenderly upon a
knee, and an arm round her. She thought it her old friend; but
behold, it was her uncle's voice that said, in the softest gentlest
way, "My dear, I never despise where I meet with truth. Tell me how
it was; or had you rather tell your Aunt Emily?"
"I'll tell you," said Kate, all her fears softened by his touch. "Oh
no! please don't go, Lord de la Poer; I do want you to know, for I
couldn't have played with Grace and Adelaide on false pretences!"
And encouraged by her uncle's tender pressure, she murmured out, "I
ran away--I did--I went home!"
"To Oldburgh!"
"Yes--yes! It was very wrong; Papa--Uncle Wardour, I mean--made me
see it was.
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