excite the greed of ordinary struggling men, I shall not
be in a hurry to renounce my comfortable independence."

De Burgh's eyes again held hers with a look of entreaty. "That
independence will last just as long as your heart escapes the influence
of the man whom you will love one day; for though love lies sleeping, it
is in you, and will spring to life some time, all the stronger and more
irresistible because his birth has not come early. _Then_ you will feel
more for _me_ than you do now."

"I do feel for you, Mr. De Burgh"--raising her moist eyes to his.

"Thank you"--taking her hand and kissing it. "Will you, then be my
friend, and promise not to banish me? I'll be sensible, and give you no
trouble."

"Oh yes, certainly," said Katherine, glad to be able to comfort him in
any way; and she withdrew her hand.

"I am not going to worry you with my presence now," he continued. "I
shall say good-by for the present. I am going away north. I have entered
a horse for a big steeple-chase at Barton Towers, and will ride him
myself. If I win I can hold out awhile longer. You must wish me
success."

"I am sure I do, heartily. After this, _do_ give up racing."

"Very well. But"--pressing her hand hard--"I'll tell you what I will
_not_ give up, my hope of winning _you_, until you are married to some
one else and out of my reach."

He kissed her hand again, and then, without any further adieu, turned
away, walking with long swift steps toward the town, not once looking
back.

"Thank God he is gone!" was Katherine's mental exclamation as the sound
of his foot-fall died away. She was troubled by his intensity and
determination, and touched by his unmistakable sincerity. "If I loved
him I should not be afraid to marry him. I think he might possibly make
a good husband to a woman he was really attached to; but I have not the
least spark of affection for him, though there is something very
distinguished in his figure and bearing; even his ruggedness is
perfectly free from vulgarity. Yes, he is a sort of man who might
fascinate some women; but he is terribly wrong-headed. If he keeps
hoping on until I marry, he has a long spell of celibacy before him. I
dare say he will be married himself before two years are over."

She sat awhile longer thinking, her face growing softer and sadder. Then
she rose, wrapped her shawl round her, and walked slowly back to the
cottage, where she found the rest of the party just returned, joyous