wonder that I rejected them all? and learnt to distrust and almost to
hate every man?

"When Valmai came here I soon found out enough of her story to prove to
me, as I thought, that she had been weak where I had been strong; that
she had given her heart, with all its precious love, to one of the same
type of manhood as it had been my ill-fortune to meet; and when, one
evening as I walked here by the lake, a young man followed me and
addressed me as Valmai, the only feeling that rushed into my mind and
possessed my whole being might be expressed in these words--'Here is
the murderer of my sister's happiness; at any risk I will keep him from
her. She is happy and calm now; he shall never again disturb her peace
of mind, if I can help it.'

"He was so completely under the illusion that I was Valmai that I had
no occasion to tell a lie, and I only spoke the truth when I told him
that I hated him, and that my greatest desire was never to see his face
again. He was wounded to the quick. I saw it, I realised it all, and,
oh, I felt for him, for there was something open and winsome about
him--something that tempted me to trust him; but I hardened my heart,
and I added him to my list of unworthy men. I left him here and went
into the house, feeling utterly miserable; but I comforted myself with
the thought that I had done Valmai good service. And now--oh, now!--I
am more miserable than ever; for I see what harm I have done. I meant
to do good, Mr. Ellis, believe me. I thought I was doing dear Valmai a
real kindness, and now what shall I do? I have ruined her hopes of
happiness, and I have lost your good opinion and friendship."

"Never!" said Ellis. "I see exactly how you felt, and can enter into
your feelings thoroughly; it only grieves me to think what a low
opinion you have formed of men in general."

"You see," said Gwladys, bending her head, "I have led such a retired
life, and have known so few men--none intimately, except those three."

"Let me dare, then, to hope that in time you will come to believe that
all men are not like the miserable specimens whom you have met. Will
you believe that _I_, at least, am only _sorry_ to hear you will be so
rich? I cannot expect you to believe me, but it is the truth."

"Yes, I believe you," she said.

"Then let us see what we can do to retrieve your mistake. Will you
take my word for it that Cardo Wynne is all that is honourable and
true?"

"Yes, oh, yes; I am sur