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296 her wish to be once again in the solemn, quiet, sunny close of East Chester.

Canon Livingstone came over to assist Miss Monro in managing the journey with her invalid. But he did not intrude himself upon Ellinor, any more than he had done in coming from home.

The morning after her return, Miss Monro said:

“Do you feel strong enough to see Dixon?”

“Is he here?”

“He is at the canon’s house. He sent for him from Bromham, in order that he might be ready for you to see him when you wished.”

“Please let him come directly,” said Ellinor, flushing and trembling.

She went to the door to meet the tottering old man; she led him to the easy-chair that had been placed and arranged for herself; she knelt down before him, and put his hands on her head, he trembling and shaking all the while.

“Forgive me all the shame and misery, Dixon. Say you forgive me; and give me your blessing. And then let never a word of the terrible past be spoken between us.”

“It’s not for me to forgive you, as never did harm to no one”

“But say you do—it will ease my heart.”

“I forgive thee!” said he. And then he raised