er surprise was due to his knowledge of the engagement, so
he hastened, with much delicacy, to explain that he had not meant to
listen. Zotique, of course, had been very much in earnest and had
spoken a little loudly to her as they passed the birch tree; that was
how he came to know so soon.

As Katie noted Vital's innate tact and delicacy, and saw how bravely
he was suffering, and knew that it was all due to her cruelty, her
lips began to tremble pitifully, and her eyes filled with tears. She
tried hard not to break down, but her heart reproached her so fiercely
that there was no use struggling, and so resting her arms on the fence
she buried her face in them, and burst into remorseful tears.

Had the earth yawned and swallowed the trees in the distance, Vital's
consternation could not have been greater. Had Katie laughed, he would
not have been surprised; but to break into such heart-rending sobs! He
was by her side in an instant, his sensitive face all aglow with
sympathy. Laying his hand lightly on her arm, he told her how sorry he
was for having caused her such bitter grief. He should have known
better, and not have mentioned her engagement until she had first told
him of it. He only now realized how embarrassing his conversation must
have been to her.

Instead of diminishing her sorrow, these kindly words caused Katie's
shoulders to heave still more quickly, and made the sobs more bitter.
Miserably Vital stood by her side, utterly at a loss to know what to
do; everything he had done and said had given her pain. For the first
time in his life he wished he never had been born.

He did not again attempt to speak, but stood quietly at her side. At
last the sobs ceased, and then with downcast eyes Katie stepped to his
side and slipped her arm hesitatingly through his. The touch of her
hand thrilled him. Thinking that she wanted him to take her back to
the house, and was too angry to speak to him, he turned, and with the
moon full in their faces they began silently to walk toward the house.
As they neared it, the sounds of the violin and the merry-making grew
more distinct. He thought of the happiness awaiting her there, and the
bitterness for him, and his heart rebelled fiercely.

Near the house, partly shaded by a friendly apple-tree, was a bench,
where Vital often sat. When they reached it, Katie let go of his arm
and seated herself upon it.

"She wants to be alone until she can compose herself to go into the