"I thought Richard had gone."

"And you were breaking your heart, that is easy to be seen. He has gone,

but he will come back to-night at eight o'clock. No matter what

happens, be at the river-side. Do not fail Dick: he is taking his life

in his hand to see you."

"I will be there."

"La! what are you crying for, child? Poor girl! What are you crying for?

Dick, the scamp? He is not worthy of such pure tears; and yet, believe

me, he loves you to distraction."

"I thought he had gone--gone, without a word."

"Faith, you are not complimentary! I flatter myself that our Dick is a

gentleman. I do, indeed. And, as he is yet perfectly in his senses, you

might have trusted him."

"And you, do you go to Boston to-morrow?"

"The colonel does. At present, I have no such intentions. But I had to

have some extraordinary excuse, and I could invent no other. However,

you may say anything, if you only say it with an assurance. Madam wished

me a pleasant journey. I felt a little sorry to deceive so fine a lady."

"When will Richard return?"

"Indeed, I think you will have to answer for his resolves. But he will

speak for himself; and, in faith, I told him that he had come to a point

where I would be no longer responsible for his actions. I am thankful to

own that I have some conscience left."

The ride was not a very pleasant one. Katherine could not help feeling

that Mrs. Gordon was distrait and inconsistent; and, towards its

close, she became very silent. Yet she kissed her kindly, and drawing

her closely for a last word, said, "Do not forget to wear your wadded

cloak and hood. You may have to take the water; for the councillor is

very suspicious, let me tell you. Remember what I say,--the wadded cloak

and hood; and good-by, good-by, my dear."

"Shall I see you soon?"

"When we may meet again, I do not pretend to say; till then, I am

entirely yours; and so again good-by."

The ride had not occupied an hour; but, when Katherine got home, Lysbet

was making tea. "A cup will be good for you, mijn kind." And she

smiled tenderly in the face that had been so white in its woeful

anguish, but on which there was now the gleam of hope. And she perceived

that Katherine had received some message, she even divined that there

might be some appointment to keep; and she determined not to be too wise

and prudent, but to trust Katherine for this evening with her own

destiny.




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