Page:Orange Grove.djvu/401

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no deception, the girl neither being forbidden to go, nor likely to be questioned on her return, she quickly decided in the affirmative.

She wrote a letter to Mr. Livingston, reminding him of his proffered friendship, and imploring him to come to her assistance, or obtain her release in some way. She told him frankly how she had suffered and what insults and outrages had been heaped upon her, facts of which he needed no farther proof than his own observation could vouch for. She gave him directions about her address, naming the day when she would send for it at the office. In her desperation she assumed that something must be done in which no alternative was presented.

It was very trying to him to be obliged to crush the faintest vestige of a hope of procuring her re lease, or of gaining access to her children. He told her of all the exertions that had been made, and the deep interest excited in her behalf, closing with the proffer of his services in any way that could be of advantage, and assuring her of his undiminished regard and deepest sympathy.

It was such a consolation to receive a friendly message and sympathizing words from any one, that she almost overlooked the substance of the letter saying nothing could be done, remembering only the offer of assistance to which she clung as a certain omen that something remained, and to discover what this might be, knowing it to be dependent on herself, she bent all the energies of her mind, but with little success.

"What, shall I give it up so," she said, "drag my