Mrs. Le Moyne unfolded the deed, and turning quickly to
the last page read the name of the donor:
"MOLLIE AINSLIE!"
"What!" she exclaimed, "not the little nigger teacher at Red Wing?"
"The same, madam," said Pardee, with a smile and a bow.
The announcement was too much for the long-excited invalid. She
fell back fainting upon her pillow, and while Cousin Hetty devoted
herself to restoring her relative to consciousness, Pardee gathered
up his papers and withdrew. Hesden followed him, presently, and
asked where Miss Ainslie was.
"I am directed," said Pardee, "not to disclose her residence, but
will at any time forward any communication you may desire to make."
CHAPTER LV.
AN UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.
The next day Mr. Pardee received a note from Mrs. Le Moyne,
requesting him to come to Mulberry Hill at his earliest convenience.
Being at the time disengaged, he returned with the messenger. Upon
being ushered again into the invalid's room, he found Miss Hetty
Lomax with a flushed face standing by the bedside. Both the ladies
greeted him with some appearance of embarrassment.
"Cousin Hetty," said the invalid, "will you ask Hesden to come here
for a moment?"
Miss Hetty left the room, and returned a moment afterward in company
with Hesden.
"Hesden," said Mrs. Le Moyne, "were you in earnest in what you said
yesterday in regard to receiving any benefits under this deed?"
"Certainly, mother," replied Hesden; "I could never consent to do
so.
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