ble as a weak, child-like
character. The falsity now seemed rather on his part than on hers. He
believed that Harry had gone much farther in treachery than Katie. Katie,
he thought, was merely a weak-minded flirt; while Harry had become a
traitor in allowing himself to fall in love with her. Even for Harry he
could now make some allowances; and since he had found out his own
feelings, he had less jealousy, and therefore less resentment against his
former friend. As for jealousy, if he now had that feeling, it was all
directed elsewhere--namely, toward that stranger whose sudden appearance
had so engrossed Dolores.

In such a state of mind as this Ashby advanced toward Katie. Now Katie had
come down with the express purpose of seeing him, and with her mind full
of a very pretty speech which she intended to make to him. But the sudden
meeting of Harry with Talbot had raised other thoughts and feelings, which
had driven her pretty speech altogether out of her mind. A bitter jealousy
afflicted her tender heart. This lady was the Sydney Talbot of whom he had
told her, and who had come all the way from England on this perilous
journey to marry him. Would she now give him up? Impossible! And how could
Harry escape her?

As Ashby approached, Katie therefore had but little thought for him. Ashby
also thought less of her than of Dolores. Who was this stranger? he
thought. Why was he so familiar? Why did Dolores leave him so abruptly?
and why was she telling to this stranger the whole story of her life?

Thus Ashby and Katie met again.

Ashby had to say something, and so, as was natural, he took refuge in
conventionalities.

"I hope," said he, "that no ill effects have arisen from this recent
excitement."

"Oh no," said Katie, in an abstracted tone. She was trying to listen to
Talbot's words. They did not sound pleasant.

Ashby also was trying to listen to Dolores. She seemed to him to be
altogether too familiar.

"I'm very glad," said Ashby. "I was afraid that this excitement might have
an injurious effect."

(Dolores was still giving an account of herself. It was unworthy of her!)

"Oh no," said Katie, "not at all."

She heard Harry speak in an apologetic manner. It was very hard to bear.
Would he leave her for this lady?

There was now a pause.

Ashby and Katie were both listening with all their might to hear what was
said by Dolores and by Harry respectively.

Ashby felt the necessity of saying something.