k how good, and kind,
and simple she is; she reminds me always of an English breeze."

"I don't like east winds myself," said Mrs. Wallace. "But I can see she
has all sorts of admirable qualities."

"D'you know why I came to see you to-day?"

"Because I forced you," said Mrs. Wallace, laughing.

"I came to say good-bye; I've got a month's leave."

"Oh, but I shall be gone by the time you come back."

"I know. It is for that reason."

Mrs. Wallace looked at him quickly, hesitated, then glanced away.

"Is it so bad as that?"

"Oh, don't you understand?" cried James, breaking suddenly from his
reserve. "I must tell you. I shall never see you again, and it can't
matter. I love you with all my heart and soul. I didn't know what love
was till I met you. God help me, it was only friendship I had for Mary!
This is so different. Oh, I hate myself! I can't help it; the mere touch
of your hand sends me mad with passion. I daren't see you again--I'm not
a blackguard. I know it's quite hopeless. And I've given my word to
Mary."

The look of her eyes, the sound of her voice, sent half his fine
intentions flying before the wind. He lost command over himself--but
only for a moment; the old habits were strong.

"I beg your pardon! I oughtn't to have spoken. Don't be angry with me
for what I've said. I couldn't help it. You thought me a fool because I
ran away from you. It was all I could do. I couldn't help loving you.
You understand now, don't you? I know that you will never wish to see me
again, and it's better for both of us. Good-bye."

He stretched out his hand.

"I didn't know it was so bad as that," she said, looking at him with
kindly eyes.

"Didn't you see me tremble when the hem of your dress touched me by
accident? Didn't you hear that I couldn't speak; the words were dried
up in my throat?" He sank into a chair weakly; but then immediately
gathering himself together, sprang up. "Good-bye," he said. "Let me go
quickly."

She gave him her hand, and then, partly in kindness, partly in malice,
bent forward and kissed his lips. James gave a cry, a sob; now he lost
command over himself entirely. He took her in his arms roughly, and
kissed her mouth, her eyes, her hair--so passionately that Mrs. Wallace
was frightened. She tried to free herself; but he only held her closer,
madly kissing her lips.

"Take care," she said. "What are you doing? Let me go!" And she pushed
him away.

She was a cautious woman, who