my rambling intellect I thought I took leave of you; and
do you know my last words--my last words, Kate?'

'No; what were they?'

'My last words were these: "Beware of the Greek; have no friendship with
the Greek."'

'And why that warning?' said she, in a low, faint voice.

'She is not of us, Kate; none of her ways or thoughts are ours, nor would
they suit us. She is subtle, and clever, and sly; and these only mislead
those who lead simple lives.'

'May it not be that you wrong her?'

'I have tried to learn her nature.'

'Not to love it?'

'I believe I was beginning to love her--just when you were cold to me. You
remember when?'

'I do; and it was this coldness was the cause? Was it the only cause?'

'No, no. She has wiles and ways which, with her beauty, make her nigh
irresistible.'

'And now you are cured of this passion? There is no trace of it in your
breast?'

'Not a vestige. But why speak of her?'

'Perhaps I am jealous.'

Once more he pressed his lips to her hand, and kissed it rapturously.

'No, Kate,' cried he, 'none but you have the place in my heart. Whenever I
have tried a treason, it has turned against me. Is there light enough in
the room to find a small portfolio of red-brown leather? It is on that
table yonder.'

Had the darkness been not almost complete, Nina would scarcely have
ventured to rise and cross the room, so fearful was she of being
recognised.

'It is locked,' said she, as she laid it beside him on the bed; but
touching a secret spring, he opened it, and passed his fingers hurriedly
through the papers within.

'I believe it must be this,' said he. 'I think I know the feel of the
paper. It is a telegram from my aunt; the doctor gave it to me last night.
We read it over together four or five times. This is it, and these are the
words: "If Kate will be your wife, the estate of O'Shea's Barn is your own
for ever."'

'Is she to have no time to think over this offer?' asked she.

'Would you like candles, miss?' asked a maid-servant, of whose presence
there neither of the others had been aware.

'No, nor are you wanted,' said Nina haughtily, as she arose; while it was
not without some difficulty she withdrew her hand from the sick man's
grasp.

'I know,' said he falteringly, 'you would not leave me if you had not left
hope to keep me company in your absence. Is not that so, Kate?'

'Bye-bye,' said she softly, and stole away.

CHAPTER LXXIV

AN ANGRY COLLOQUY