I held out my hand to her. It no longer carried Richard Dawson's ring.
"He set me free last night," I said, "before we knew who was coming
home. You must clear him in your thoughts, godmother. He never knew how
his father had obtained our consent to the marriage. He was furious when
he knew and he set me free. I wish I knew what had become of him."
"Don't trouble about him, child. Presently you will find a lover worthy
of you."
I said nothing, but my heart leaped. I was a proud woman to think that
Anthony Cardew loved me, and still I was grieved for the others.
"You will breakfast with me, child?" she went on.
"I am furiously hungry," I replied. "And afterwards--will you come back
with me to Aghadoe?"
"I think not. If your uncle wants me he will find me here."
"I think he will see Garret Dawson first. He will not come to you till
all that is cleared up."
"It need never be cleared for me. Whatever the story was, it is for me
as though it never existed."
I made a most prodigious breakfast. I had no anxiety as to what they
might think about my absence at Aghadoe; I felt they would know where I
was.
I said no more to my godmother about returning with me.
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