THE CROW-CHILD 159

She started up. It was, indeed, her own darling! The
starlight shone into the room. Lighting her candle, she
looked at the clock.

It was just two hours since she had uttered those cruel
words! Sobbing, she asked :

“ Have I been asleep, Ruky, dear ?”

“T don’t know, Cor. Do people ery when they ’re
asleep ?”

“Sometimes, Ruky,” clasping him very close.

“Then you have been asleep. But Cor, please don’t let
Uncle whip Ruky.” .

“No, no, my little bird—I mean, my brother. Good
night, darling !”

“Good night.”

we.
ow male.

A
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<3 no SP. c}
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vine