Distressed and worried as I am,
I can see that we can't help matters now by just wringing our hands.
Your father says we must leave as early as possible to-morrow. I can't
do everything to get ready. I'm so unnerved I can scarcely stand now.
Do come down to supper with us, or else let a good supper be brought
to you, and then let us act as if we had not lost our senses utterly.
Your father looks and is so strange that I scarcely know him."
"I'll not go down again. Nothing would tempt me to meet Graydon
Muir and the curious stare of the people. I suppose they are full of
surmises. If you will have a supper sent to me I will take it and do
all the packing myself. Please tell papa that I wish to see him after
supper."
She then made a toilet suitable for her task, and waited impatiently.
Her father soon appeared with a dainty and inviting supper. As soon as
they were alone Stella began:
"Now, papa, tell me the worst--not what you fear, but just what is
before us."
"Eat your supper first."
"No; I wish to learn the absolute truth. You said you had a great deal
to say to me. I'm calm now, and I suppose I've acted like a fool long
enough."
"I have much to say, but not many words. _I_ must begin again, Heaven
only knows how or where.
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