"Now what is it, Miss Goodrich? Please be calm. You know you have
nothing to fear from me."
Amy brushed away her tears, and looking up into his face, "I'm not
afraid of you," she said. "But--but--, our secret is out."
Dick nodded that he understood, and she continued: "You know that Frank
has been at Armourdale the last few weeks, looking after papa's
interests in the mines there, and--and he came home this afternoon?"
"Yes, I know," said Dick calmly.
"I was in the sitting-room and he and father were in the library. I--I
did not mean to listen, but the door was open and I heard them speak
your name."
"Yes," said Dick again.
"Frank met Mr. Cushman and spent several days at the farm where they
are prospecting, and--and of course learned that we were together
there. Father believes the awfullest things and threatens to kill you;
he is so angry. I--I'm afraid for you--and--and I slipped away because
I--I thought you ought to know." The poor girl finished with a sob and
buried her face in her hands.
Dick thought rapidly for a few moments. He remembered that he had never
told Amy how her father had accused him of taking her away at first,
and he saw now how that belief would be strengthened by her brother's
story. Then as his heart bitterly rebelled at the thought of such a
misunderstanding, and of the danger to Amy, his mind was made up
instantly.
"Miss Goodrich," he said; "can you let me talk to you plainly?"
She nodded and grew quiet.
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