Dudley has returned, and is secreted somewhere about the grounds.
It is a _fraud_. They all pretend to me that he is gone away in the
_Seamew_; and he or they had his name published as one of the passengers.
Madame de la Rougierre has appeared! She is here, and my uncle insists on
making her my close companion. I am at my wits' ends. I cannot escape--the
walls are a prison; and I believe the eyes of my gaolers are always upon
me. Dogs are kept for pursuit--yes, _dogs_! and the gates are locked
against my escape. God help me! I don't know where to look, or whom to
trust. I fear my uncle more than all. I think I could bear this better if I
knew what their plans are, even the worst. If ever you loved or pitied me,
dear cousin, I conjure you, help me in this extremity. Take me away from
this. Oh, darling, for God's sake take me away!
'Your distracted and terrified cousin,
MAUD'
'Bartram-Haugh.'
I sealed this letter jealously, as if the inanimate missive would burst its
cerements, and proclaim my desperate appeal through all the chambers and
passages of silent Bartram.
Old Quince, greatly to cousin Monica's amusement, persisted in furnishing
me with those capacious pockets which belonged to a former generation.
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