Mrs Penniman began again to have a glimpse of her chance of explaining.' He shrunk - he shrunk,' she said;' he lacked courage, but it was the courage to injure you! He couldn't bear to bring down on you your father's curse.'

Catherine listened to this with her eyes fixed upon her aunt, and continued to gaze at her for some time afterward.' Did he tell you to say that?'

'He told me to say many things - all so delicate, so discriminating; and he told me to tell you he hoped you wouldn't despise him.'

'I don't,' said Catherine; and then she added, 'And will he stay away forever?'

'Oh, forever is a long time. Your father, perhaps, won't live forever.'

'Perhaps not.'

'I am sure you appreciate - you understand - even though your heart bleeds,' said Mrs Penniman.' You doubtless think him too scrupulous. So do I, but I respect his scruples. What he asks of you is that you should do the same.'

Catherine was still gazing at her aunt, but she spoke at last as if she had not heard or not understood her. 'It has been a regular plan, then. He has broken it off deliberately; he has given me up.'

'For the present, dear Catherine; he has put it off, only.'

'He has left me alone,' Catherine went on.

'Haven't you me?' asked Mrs Penniman, with some solemnity. Catherine shook her head slowly.' I don't believe it!' and she left the room.