After
I was left alone I valued their friendship highly. I was always welcome
at Mr. Crabshaw's house. Cecilia and I were companions in study, and
almost before I knew it we were--in love. As I found this sentiment
strengthening I grew alarmed; for, although no allusion to my family
disgrace had ever been made in my presence, I was aware that Mr.
Crabshaw knew the history well, and that the thought of an alliance with
the house of Crabshaw would be folly. It was at that time that my
mother's belief in her grandfather's innocence became more strongly
impressed upon me, and I formed the purpose, almost hopeless though it
seemed, of establishing the truth of this belief. The idea grew upon me.
I found myself getting nervous, and for the sake of my health I came
here two years ago to find relaxation in trout fishing and the study of
nature."
We had walked during the relation of my friend's narrative along the
road often travelled by me before, and which led to the three shattered
elms and the old cellar. We sat down beneath the shade of the trees once
more to rest, and as we did so Gault took from his pocket the old knife
which two years before had been discovered in the grass-grown cellar.
Pages:
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150