e where he had been so kindly regarded
for years, without offering some reason that would be satisfactory.
The true reason, he could not, of course, give. After looking at the
subject in various lights, and debating it for a long time, Edwin
could see no way in which he could withdraw from the family of Mr.
Darlington, without betraying his secret, unless he were to leave
the city at the same time. He, therefore, sought and obtained the
situation of supercargo in a vessel loading for Valparaiso.

When Edwin announced this fact to Mr. Darlington, the merchant was
greatly surprised, and appeared hurt that the young man should take
such a step without a word of consultation with him. Edwin tried to
explain; but, as he had to conceal the real truth, his explanation
rather tended to make things appear worse than better.

Kate heard the announcement with no less surprise than her father.
The thing was so sudden, so unlooked for, and, moreover, so uncalled
for, that she could not understand it. In order to take away any
pecuniary reason for the step he was about to take, Mr. Darlington,
after holding a long conversation with Edwin, made him offers far
more advantageous than his proposed expedition could be to him,
viewed in any light. But he made them in vain. Edwin acknowledged
the kindness, in the warmest terms, but remained firm in his purpose
to sail with the vessel.

"Why will you go away and leave us, Edwin?" said Kate, one evening
when they happened to be alone, about two weeks before his expected
departure. "I do think it very strange!"

Edwin had avoided, as much as possible, being alone with Kate, a
fact which the observant maiden had not failed to notice. Their
being alone now was from accident rather than design on his part.

"I think it right for me to go, Kate," the young man replied, as
calmly as it was possible for him to speak under the circumstances.
"And when I think it right to do a thing, I never hesitate or look
back."

"You have a reason, for going, of course. Why, then, not tell it
frankly? Are we not all your friends?"

Edwin was silent, and his eyes rested upon the floor, while a deeper
flush than usual was upon his face. Kate looked at him fixedly.
Suddenly a new thought flashed through her mind, and the color on
her own cheeks grew warmer. Her voice from that moment was lower and
more tender; and her eyes, as she conversed with the young man, were
never a moment from his face. As for him, h