't speak like that, Kate," said Ranald, "don't say those things. I
want to tell you how you have helped me these three lonely years, but I
can't, and you will never know, and now I am going back. I hardly dared
to see you, but I wish you everything that is good. I haven't seen Harry
either, but you will wish him joy for me. He is a very lucky fellow."

By this time Ranald had regained control of himself, and was speaking
in a tone of frank and brotherly affection. Kate looked at him with a
slightly puzzled air.

"I've seen Maimie," Ranald went on, "and she told me all about it, and
I am--yes, I am very glad." Still Kate looked a little puzzled, but the
minutes were precious, and she had much to say.

"Oh, Ranald!" she cried, "I have so much to say to you. You have become
a great man, and you are good. I am so proud when I hear of you," and
lowering her voice almost to a whisper, "I pray for you every day."

As Ranald stood gazing at the beautiful face, and noticed the quivering
lips and the dark eyes shining with tears she was too brave to let fall,
he felt that he was fast losing his grip of himself.

"Oh, Kate," he cried, in a low, tense voice, "I must go. You have been
more to me than you will ever know. May you both be happy."

"Both?" echoed Kate, faintly.

"Yes," cried Ranald, hurriedly, "Harry will, I'm sure, for if any one
can make him happy, you can."

"I?" catching her breath, and beginning to laugh a little hysterically.

"What's the matter, Kate? You are looking white."

"Oh," cried Kate, her voice broken between a sob and a laugh, "won't
Harry and Lily enjoy this?"

Ranald gazed at her in fear as if she had suddenly gone mad.

"Lily?" he gasped.

"Yes, Lily," cried Kate; "didn't you know Lily Langford, Harry's dearest
and most devoted?"

"No," said Ranald; "and it is not you?"

"Not me," cried Kate, "not in the very least."

"Oh, Kate, tell me, is this all true? Are you still free? And is there
any use?"

"What do you mean?" cried Kate, dancing about in sheer joy, "you silly
boy."

By this time Ranald had got hold of her hands.

"Look here, old chap," burst in Merrill, "your train's going. Oh, beg
pardon."

"Take the next, Ranald."

"Merrill," said Ranald, solemnly, "tell the fellows I'm not going on
this train."

"Hoorah!" cried little Merrill, "I guess I'll tell 'em you are gone. May
I tell the fellows, Kate?"

"What?" said Kate, blushing furiously.

"Yes, Merrill," cried R