agreed
to be friends, yet our friendship does not seem to thrive, it is dying
of starvation because we so rarely meet; still, for the sake of our
shadowy friendship, answer me: may I put the natural construction on De
Burgh's sudden departure from England?"

Katherine hesitated; she did not like to say in so many words that she
had refused him, a curious, half-remorseful feeling made her especially
considerate towards him.

"I do not like to speak of Lord de Burgh," she said at length.

"When does he return?

"I do not know. I know nothing of his plans."

"Then you sent him empty away?" said Errington, smiling.

"I very nearly married him!" she exclaimed, frankly. "He was kind and
generous, and would have been good to the boys; but at last I could not.
Oh! I could _not_!"

"I am sorry for De Burgh," said Errington, thoughtfully, "but you were
right; your wisdom is more of the heart than the head. Do you remember
that day (how vividly I remember it!) when you came to me and told me
your strange story? It was the turning-point of my life. When I
confessed I knew nothing of the deep, warm, tender affection that
actuated _you_, you said that for me wisdom was from one entrance quite
shut out."

"I can remember nothing clearly of that dreadful day, only that you were
very forgiving and good," returned Katherine, pressing her hands
together to still their trembling.

"Well, from the moment you spoke those words, the light of the wisdom
you meant dawned upon me, and grew stronger and brighter, till my whole
being was flooded with the love you inspired. You opened a new world to
me; your voice was always in my ears, your eyes looking into mine." He
spoke in a low, earnest, but composed tone, as if he had made up his
mind to the fullest utterance. Katherine covered her face with her hands
with the unconscious instinct to hide the emotion she felt it would
express. "Many things kept me silent. Fear that the sight of me was
painful to you; the dread of seeming to seek your fortune; my own
uncertain position. Then, when all was taken from you, and I was by my
own act deprived of the power to help you, you were so brave and patient
that profound esteem mingled with the strange, sweet, wild fire you had
kindled! Am I so painfully associated in your mind that you cannot give
me something of the wealth of love stored in your heart? You have
taught me what love is, will you not reward so apt a pupil?"

"Mr. Errington," sai