Joris and Lysbet talked it over together. "Cohen told me," said Joris,

"that Captain Hyde called to bid him good-by. He said, 'He is a very

honourable young man, a very grateful young man, and I rejoice that I

was helpful in saving his life.' Then I asked him in what ship he was to

sail, and he said 'The Dauntless.' She left her moorings this morning

between nine and ten. She carries troops to Kingston, Captain Earle in

command; and I heard that Captain Hyde has a year's furlough."

Lysbet drew her lips tight, and said nothing. The last shadow of her own

dream had departed also, but it was of her child she thought. At that

hour she hated Hyde; and, after Joris had gone, she said in low, angry

tones, over and over, as she folded the freshly ironed linen, "I wish

that Neil had killed him!" About two o'clock she went to Katherine. The

girl opened her door at once to her. There was nothing to be said, no

hope to offer. Joris had seen Hyde embark; he had heard Mrs. Gordon and

the colonel bid him farewell. Several of his brother officers, also, and

the privates of his own troop, had been on the dock to see him sail. His

departure was beyond dispute.

And even while she looked at the woeful young face before her, the

mother anticipated the smaller, festering sorrows that would spring from

this great one,--the shame and mortification the mockery of those who

had envied Katherine; the inquiries, condolences, and advices of

friends; the complacent self-congratulation of Batavius, who would be

certain to remind them of every provoking admonition he had given on the

subject. And who does not know that these little trials of life are its

hardest trials? The mother did not attempt to say one word of comfort,

or hope, or excuse. She only took the child in her arms, and wept for

her. At this hour she would not wound her by even an angry word

concerning him.

"I loved him so much, moeder."

"Thou could not help it. Handsome, and gallant, and gay he was. I never

shall forget seeing thee dance with him."

"And he did love me. A woman knows when she is loved."

"Yes, I am sure he loved thee."

"He has gone? Really gone?"

"No doubt is there of it. Stay in thy room, and have thy grief out with

thyself."

"No; I will come to my work. Every day will now be the same. I shall

look no more for any joy; but my duty I will do."




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