“I heard,” said Margaret, with gentle dignity. “You heard? what then!” “Mr. Houston is twenty-eight years of age, and his own master.” “And what follows, pray, from that?” “That in this matter he will do as seems to him right!” “And yourself?” “I leave my destiny with the fullest faith where God, my parents and his parents placed it--in the hands of my betrothed husband.” “And he will abide by his engagement! I know his Quixotic temper! he will. But, Margaret Helmstedt, delicacy requires of you to retire from the contract.” Margaret smiled mournfully, and answered earnestly: “Madam, God knoweth that there are higher principles of action than fantastic delicacy. I have no right to break my engagement with Ralph Houston. I will free him from his bond; but if he holds me to mine, why so be it; he is wiser than I am, and in the name of the Lord I am his affianced wife.” Nellie scarcely knew how to reply to this. She looked straight into the face of the girl as though she would read and expose her soul. Superficially that face was pale and still; the lips compressed; the eyes cast down until the close, long lashes lay penciled on the white cheeks; but, under all, a repressed glow of devotion, sorrow, firmness, fervor, made eloquent the beautiful countenance, as she sat there, with her hands clasped and unconsciously pressed to her bosom. Despite of the strong circumstantial evidence, Nellie could not look into that face and hold to her belief the owner’s unworthiness. And the little woman grew more angry at the inconsistency and contradiction of her own thoughts and feelings. She ascribed this to Margaret’s skill in influencing her. And out of her pause and study she broke forth impatiently: “You are an artful girl, Margaret. I do not know where you get your duplicity, not from your mother, I know. No matter; thank Heaven, in a few days your father and Ralph will be here, and my responsibility over.” And rising, angrily, she left the room, and left Margaret remaining in the same attitude of superficial calmness and suppressed excitement. Nellie went to her own especial sitting-room, communicating by short passages with storeroom, pantry and kitchen, and where she transacted all her housekeeping business. She found her own maid, the pretty mulatress, with knitting in hand, as usual, in attendance. “Go at once, Jessie, and call Miss Helmstedt’s servants here.” The girl obeyed, and soon returned, accompanied by Hildreth and Forrest, who made their “reverence,” and stood waiting the lady’s pleasure. “I suppose your mistress has given you orders to reply to no questions in regard to her absence!” asked Nellie, sharply. “No, madam; Miss Marget did nothing of the sort,” answered Forrest. “Be careful of your manner, sir.” Forrest bowed. “When did she leave the house?” “Night afore last.” “With whom?” “Me an’ Hild’eth, madam.” “No others?” “No, madam.” “Where did she go?”