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 "That isn't the best news, though," continued Lida. "She gave me news today that makes me happier than I've ever been."

"Ever?" he questioned as he placed a hand on hers resting on his shoulder. Both were looking out through the sheet of water pouring down in front of them.

"Yes, ever," Lida continued. "Shecontinued. She [sic] bent over till her lips nearly touched his ear as she whispered, "She told me there was colored blood in our family too."

Bennet turned slowly to look at her, doubt showing in his face as lie realized the import of her words. "There's colored blood in our family—in me too.—And I'm glad—proud of it." At this announcement she kissed his cheek tenderly. "And that's not all," she added. "There's some of that blood in many of the families about here.—Elvin is raging."

"That can't be so," Bennet doubted.

"Truly," Lida answered soberly. "She said the records are at the courthouse and would prove it."

"Many a family will be shocked to learn the news," Bennet commented drily.

Lida then recounted the events at the house, with her quarrel with Elvin, and of the appearance of Mrs. Gorton while they were in the midst. "And after she told us, as I was waiting for time to come to you, Elvin saddled his horse and rode away, bursting with madness," she concluded.

As she ended she looked out among the trees then exclaimed: "Oh, dear, it's raining."