'Have you any idea, Maud, darling, what this _service_ may be?' she
enquired, with a grave and anxious curiosity in her countenance.
'None, Cousin Monica; but I have thought long over my undertaking to do
it, or submit to it, be it what it may; and I will keep the promise I
voluntarily made, although I know what a coward I am, and often distrust my
courage.'
'Well, I am not to frighten you.'
'How could you? Why should I be afraid? _Is_ there anything frightful to be
disclosed? Do tell me--you _must_ tell me.'
'No, darling, I did not mean _that_--I don't mean that;--I could, if I
would; I--I don't know exactly what I meant. But your poor papa knew him
better than I--in fact, I did not know him at all--that is, ever quite
understood him--which your poor papa, I see, had ample opportunities of
doing.' And after a little pause, she added--'So you do not know what you
are expected to do or to undergo.'
'Oh! Cousin Monica, I know you think he committed that murder,' I cried,
starting up, I don't know why, and I felt that I grew deadly pale.
'I don't believe any such thing, you little fool; you must not say such
horrible things, Maud,' she said, rising also, and looking both pale and
angry.
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