Page:Margaret Sherwood--A Puritan in Bohemia.djvu/163

A Puritan Bohemia "Yes," whimpered Annabel. "I've told her the things you've said about Miss Wistar."

"What have I said about Miss Wistar?"

The fixed idea in Annabel's imagination had become half reality.

"Why, when you talked to her picture," said Annabel reproachfully.

"Her picture!" gasped Howard.

"Once," asserted Annabel, "when you was sick, you said, 'O my Amanda, the task of forgetting you could never be accomplished.' And once you said, 'To you I am bound by a sentiment stronger than love,—by honour.'"

Annabel's eyes were shining with interest through her tears. Mr. Stanton had grown white with anger. The child was frightened.

"Have you told any of this nonsense to Miss Wistar?"

"No," answered Annabel eagerly; "not a word. Honestly I haven't."

"Then," he said with a sigh of relief, "you haven't done quite as much harm