"I will not have him," said Grammer Oliver, decisively.

"Then somebody to sit up with you."

"Can't abear it! No; I wanted to see you, Miss Grace, because 'ch have
something on my mind. Dear Miss Grace, I TOOK THAT MONEY OF THE
DOCTOR, AFTER ALL!"

"What money?"

"The ten pounds."

Grace did not quite understand.

"The ten pounds he offered me for my head, because I've a large brain.
I signed a paper when I took the money, not feeling concerned about it
at all. I have not liked to tell ye that it was really settled with
him, because you showed such horror at the notion. Well, having
thought it over more at length, I wish I hadn't done it; and it weighs
upon my mind. John South's death of fear about the tree makes me think
that I shall die of this....'Ch have been going to ask him again to let
me off, but I hadn't the face."

"Why?"

"I've spent some of the money--more'n two pounds o't. It do wherrit me
terribly; and I shall die o' the thought of that paper I signed with my
holy cross, as South died of his trouble."

"If you ask him to burn the paper he will, I'm sure, and think no
more of it."

"'Ch have done it once already, miss. But he laughed cruel like.
'Yours is such a fine brain, Grammer, 'er said, 'that science couldn't
afford to lose you. Besides, you've taken my money.'...Don't let your
father know of this, please, on no account whatever!"