ne moment encouraged you to suppose that I would become your wife, and
I now say positively that I cannot and will not. I thank you for all
you have said to me, though I would rather you had left it unsaid; and I
would wish to be friendly, as we have always been," she answered,
firmly.

"Is that the only answer you can give me?" exclaimed Eban.

"I can give no other," replied Nelly.

"Do you never intend to marry, then?" asked Eban.

"I am not compelled to tell you my intentions," said Nelly.

"Do you love any one else? because I shall then know how to act,"
exclaimed Eban.

Nelly thought for a moment. "I will tell him; it will be the kindest
thing to do, as he will then understand that I can never marry him, and
wisely seek another wife."

"Yes, Eban Cowan, I do love another," she said, in a low voice. "I love
Michael Penguyne, and can be no other man's wife than his. You have
long called him your friend; let him be your friend still, but give up
all thoughts of me."

"I now know how to act," muttered Eban, gloomily. "I had no idea that
you cared for him; and if you choose to become a poor fisherman's wife,
you must follow your own course; only, do not suppose that I can cease
to love you."

"I cannot listen to what you say," exclaimed Nelly, walking on rapidly,
and feeling very indignant at Eban's last remark.

He did not attempt to follow her, and she soon overtook Dame Lanreath
and the friends who were accompanying her. When she looked round, Eban
had disappeared. She felt greatly relieved at having got rid of him,
and she hoped that, notwithstanding what he had said, he would abandon
all hopes of becoming her husband.

Eban went home by another path, muttering fiercely that he would not be
balked, and that Michael should pay dearly for coming between him and
the girl he loved.

People little know, when they give way to their unbridled passions, into
what crimes they may be led.

Day after day Eban Cowan pondered over his rejection by Nelly, and chose
to consider himself especially ill-treated.

"She should have let me know years ago that she intended to marry that
fellow. How can she think of preferring him, a poor, hard-working lad,
to me?" he exclaimed; and dreadful thoughts came into his mind. He made
no attempt to drive them from him.

CHAPTER NINE.

The autumn was drawing on. The pilchard harvest had not been as
successful as the fishermen desired, and they kept their boats a