But I made up my mind, that bad
as I was, I could watch over Mary, and perhaps keep her from harm. So
I used to wait for her at nights, and follow her home, often when she
little knew any one was near her. There was one of her companions I
never could abide, and I'm sure that girl is at the bottom of some
mischief. By-and-by Mary's walks homewards were not alone. She was
joined soon after she came out by a man; a gentleman. I began to
fear for her, for I saw she was light-hearted, and pleased with his
attentions; and I thought worse of him for having such long talks
with that bold girl I told you of. But I was laid up for a long
time with spitting of blood; and could do nothing. I'm sure it made
made me worse, thinking about what might be happening to Mary. And
when I came out, all was going on as before, only she seemed fonder
of him than ever; and oh! Jem, her father won't listen to me, and
it's you must save Mary! You're like a brother to her, and maybe
could give her advice and watch over her, and at any rate John will
hearken to you; only he's so stern, and so cruel.
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