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The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

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THE MOTHER'S GEAVE. 41<br />

young m<strong>an</strong> whom I met in your mo<strong>the</strong>r's<br />

room; I thought he was your bro<strong>the</strong>r?"<br />

<strong>an</strong>d E chard's voice faltered as he gave<br />

utter<strong>an</strong>ce to his doubt.<br />

" ISTo ; Eaynald is my cousin : we have<br />

been playmates from childhood, <strong>an</strong>d I love<br />

him as I should my own bro<strong>the</strong>r."<br />

" Only as a bro<strong>the</strong>r ! <strong>the</strong>n my heart<br />

may still cherish hope. Oh, Ardoine,"<br />

continued Echard, drawing nearer, "let me<br />

tell you, st<strong>an</strong>ding as we do on your mo<strong>the</strong>r's<br />

grave, that if you need a friend hereafter,<br />

Echard is yours. Let not my creed nor<br />

position make you doubt me. My sympa-<br />

thy with your grief veils my feelings, <strong>an</strong>d<br />

forbids me doing justice to my heart; but,<br />

Ardoine, you are <strong>an</strong> orph<strong>an</strong>."<br />

" Enough ; I will trust you. Your m<strong>an</strong>-<br />

ner <strong>an</strong>d your deeds prove your sincerity.<br />

I accept your <strong>of</strong>fer with gratitude, but I<br />

await your information."<br />

" <strong>The</strong> Marquis is assembling a large<br />

body <strong>of</strong> troops, <strong>an</strong>d I fear this <strong>of</strong>ficial seal,"

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