I do not even now know what you mean.'
Quite calmly Hiram told his daughter what had occurred. The travelling
dress, and Belle's last kiss, flashed on her mind. She repeated the
circumstance.
'And you know nothing of this Filippo Barbone?' said Hiram, forcing
himself with difficulty to pronounce the name.
'Nothing.'
'And your mother?' continued he, slowly, and in a tone which terrified
his child.
'Oh, I am sure she knew nothing about it, perfectly sure. I know she did
not wish Belle to go to Mrs. Caruthers's, because she could not go with
her; and even after Belle made the arrangement to stay all night, mamma
did not seem to be at all satisfied.'
Hiram was convinced, and the want of an object on which to wreak his
anger now served to exhaust it.
He leaned his face upon the side of his daughter's couch, and groaned.
Harriet put her hand gently upon his cheek. 'Papa,' she said, timidly,
'may I tell you what to do?'
Hiram raised his head. His face was very haggard, but he made no reply.
'Send for Belle to come back, and her husband too, and let us make them
happy,' said Harriet, almost abruptly.
'Never! My curse is on her! She is no longer my child--I disinherit
her!'
'Give her my portion, then--I shall not require it.'
Hiram started--a new idea had struck him.
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