s--you discovered awhile ago that I love Condy Dalton? Isn't that
thrue?"

"I wasn't altogether certain," replied Mave, "but I thought I did--an'
now I think you do love him."

"I do love him--oh, I do--an' why as you said, should I be ashamed of
it?--ay, an' it was my intention to tell you so the first time I'd see
you, an' to give you fair notice that I did, an' that I'd lave nothing
undone to win him from you."

"Well," replied the other, "this is open and honest, at all events."

"That was my intention," pursued Sarah, "an' I had, for a short time,
other thoughts; ay, an' worse thoughts; my father was pursuadin' me--but
I can't spake on that--for he has my promise not to do so. Oh, I'm
nothing, dear Mave--nothing at all to you. I can't forget your words
awhile ago--bekaise I knew what you meant at the time, when you said to
Con, 'any earthly thing that I can do to give aise and comfort to your
mind. I am ready to do it. If it would relieve you, forget that you ever
saw me or ever knew me.' Now, Mave, I've confessed to you that I love
Con Dalton--but I tell you not to trouble your heart by any thoughts
of me; my mind's made up as to what I'll do--don't fear me, I'll never
cross you here. I'm a lonely creature," she proceeded, bursting into
bitter tears; "I'm without friends and relations, or any one that cares
at all about me--"

"Don't say so," replied Mave, "I care about you, an' it's only now that
people is beginning to know you--but that's not all, Sarah, if it's
any consolation to you to know it--know it--Condy Dalton loves you--ay,
loves you, Sarah M'Gowan--you may take my word for that--I am certain
this day that what I say is true."

"Loves me!" she exclaimed.

"Loves you," repeated Mave, "is the word, an I have said it."

"I didn't suspect that when I spoke," she replied.

Each looked upon the other, and both as they stood were as pale as death
itself. At length Mave spoke.

"I have only one thought, Sarah, an' that is how to make him happy; to
see him happy."

"I can scarcely spake," replied Sarah; "I wouldn't know what to say if I
did. I'm all confused; Mave, dear, forgive me!"

"God bless you," replied Mave, "for you are truth an' honesty itself.
God bless an' you, make him happy! Good-bye, dear Sarah."

She put her hand into Sarah's and felt that it trembled excessively--but
Sarah was utterly passive; she did not even return the pressure which
she had received, and when Mave departed, she