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230 late in the evening. So 'twill make the best of a bad business to let us know the circumstances!"

"A bad business!" echoed Tregenna hotly. "Nay, madam, 'twas a very good business for me! Since, if Miss Joan had not been good enough, knowing I was going thither, to ride to Rede Hall and release me from what was practically imprisonment at the hands of the scoundrels who infest that place, I should scarce have got hither alive!"

The young ladies both went off into a series of little twittering shrieks, raising their hands and turning up their eyes towards the painted ceiling, with every mild expression of horror and affright.

"So she knew you was going thither!" chirped Miss Lucy presently. "You are great friends at the Parsonage then, Mr. Tregenna?"

"I hope I am, madam," returned Tregenna promptly. "For there's no friendship in the world I value more than that of Miss Joan and her father."

This prompt declaration seemed rather to damp the spirits of the two little pink-eyed girls, and they desisted from their attacks in this