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 BOOK III

ATROPOS

VI

THERE was a rough, winding pathway at the back of the cottage by which they could enter without going round to the front door, and this they almost invariably used when set- ting out or returning from their little journey- ings.

One day, a fortnight after they had been installed at the cottage, Vermont, returning alone, having left Andromeda sleeping amid the clover in the sunshine, was surprised to see Mrs. Selton standing in the doorway beckoning violently to him. Approaching closer he saw that the poor lady was in a state of much agita- tion. Her lips were moving rapidly, but appar- ently inarticulately, and much of her rosiness had flown.