This is an honor, an unexpected pleasure. Jamie and I have been drudging like slaves all day, and we're fagged—fagged to the ends of our fingers and toes."
"Mr. Menaida, I am sorry to say it, but if such a thing happens again as has taken place this evening, Jamie and I must leave your house. I thank you with an overflowing heart for your goodness to us; but I must consider Jamie above everything else, and I must see that he be not exposed to temptation."
"Where will you take him?"
"I cannot tell; but I must shield him."
"There, there, not a word! It shall never happen again. Now let by-gones be by-gones, and play me something of Beethoven, while I sit here and listen in the twilight."
"No, Mr. Menaida, I cannot. I have not the spirit to do it. I can think only of Jamie."
"So you punish me!"
" Take it so. I am sorry; but I cannot do otherwise."
"Now, look here! Bless my soul! I had almost forgotten it. Here is a note for you, from the Captain, I believe." He went to the chimney-piece and took down a scrap of paper, folded and sealed.
Judith looked at it and went to the window, broke the seal, and opened the paper. She read—
"Why do you not come and see me? You do not care for what you have done. They call me cruel; but you are that.—C. C."
