Glebe, and he
returned with them to the parsonage because he had a few serious words
that he wished to say there.
He took Mr. Ives aside, and said abruptly, "Are you mad, Ives? Do you
wish to lose that peerless daughter of yours? I warn you that you will
do so, if you are not more watchful."
"I would give my life for hers," answered her father sorrowfully. "And
so would Mary, who loves her dearly, but alas! what can we do? We cannot
bring back John Johnstone."
"You must send her away at once. She must have change of air and scene.
At once, mark you, without an hour's unnecessary delay."
"You think it will do her good?"
"I think it the one chance of escaping fatal mischief. See, I have a
plan to propose. Why not send her to Newbury to her aunt? She is a
sensible woman, and the house is full of children--they will rouse her."
"I will take her myself," cried Mr. Ives.
"Nay, nay, that would defeat my object. I want absolute change for her,
change of thought, scene, companions."
"But how manage it, if I may not go myself?"
"Squire Thornton rides to Newbury tomorrow with Sir Harry Clare, and he
will willingly be her protector."
"They ride?"
"Yes, it will do Betty good to ride, and old Isaac can follow with a
valise full of clothes."
"Tomorrow did you say?"
"Tomorrow at daybreak.
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