'You will never be called upon to try.' And he gave a little tender, reassuring laugh. Then, in a moment, he added, 'There is something you must tell me, too.' She had closed her eyes after the last words she uttered, and kept them closed; and at this she nodded her head, without opening them. 'You must tell me,' he went on, 'that if your father is dead against me, if he absolutely forbids our marriage, you will still be faithful.'

Catherine opened her eyes, gazing at him, and she could give no better promise than what he read there.

'You will cleave to me?' said Morris. 'You know you are your own mistress - you are of age.'

'Ah, Morris!' she murmured, for all answer; or rather not for all, for she put her hand into his own. He kept it awhile, and presently he kissed her again. This is all that need be recorded of their conversation; but Mrs Penniman, if she had been present, would probably have admitted that it was as well it had not taken place beside the fountain in Washington Square.