ETHEL CHURCHILL.
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CHAPTER XXX.
THE CHALLENGE.
'Tis a strange mystery, the power of words!
Life is in them, and death. A word can send
The crimson colour hurrying to the cheek,
Hurrying with many meanings; or can turn
The current cold and deadly to the heart.
Anger and fear are in them; grief and joy
Are on their sound; yet slight, impalpable:—
A word is but a breath of passing air.
Maynard returned home direct from Lady Marchmont. To his surprise he learnt that Sir George was at home: such an early return was a very unusual thing with him. Walter was glad of it; he could not have borne to
