ight spent on a hard board, the surprise of meeting Mr.
Kenderdine,--whatever it was, I leaned back in the corner of the
seat, took out my handkerchief, and cried harder than I had ever
done in my life before. He was greatly alarmed, but, like a sensible
man, waited until I became more composed, and when I was able to
tell him, instead of blaming me or thinking I was stupid, he
censured himself for not accompanying me.

"'I did mean to ask your permission to do so, Miss Eleanor,' he said
slightly embarrassed, 'and I was prig enough to think you would
allow it, but when you told me of your engagement I did not dare.
After you left I had a dread that something might happen, and I
could not rest satisfied until I had made up my mind to come on and
see that you had arrived safely. I thought you would forgive me, as
it is for the last time, and De Vezin need not be jealous, for he
will have you for ever, while I--' Fred can be wonderfully pathetic.

"Then I made up my mind to undeceive him, as was my duty, you know.
I told him very gently that he was under a false impression. I was
not engaged: my aunt had educated me for a purpose, and we both had
quite determined that I should never marry, but instead do something
great in the world, though I had not yet decided what. I explained
it to him fully, so that there should be no more mistakes about it.
When I ended I did not venture to look at him for a long time,
fearing to see him grieved at this irrevocable barrier; but when I
did, what was my surprise to see his face beaming with joy! He began
impetuously, 'If you had told me I was to be crowned at Brussels, it
would not be better news. I was sure it was De Vezin who separated
us. Now I can hope.'

"'You must not talk in that way if you do not want our friendship to
cease: you offend me deeply. Can't you see that if you persist in
this idea of yours, our pleasant acquaintance must end?' It was so
frivolous in Fred, and I spoke very decidedly.

"'Not at all, Eleanor: it would only begin. Why should not our whole
life be like this past year?'

"'You know it can't,' said I. 'Haven't I told you the reason?'

"'It will be no reason when De Vezin asks you,' said he
suspiciously.

"'De Vezin is nothing to me.'

"'You carry a _gage d'amour_ from him on your watch-chain at this