It was Katherine's writing; and Joris held the folded paper in his hand,

and looked stupidly at it. The truth was forcing itself into his mind,

and the slow-coming conviction was a real physical agony to him. He put

his hand on the desk to steady himself; and Nature, in great drops of

sweat, made an effort to relieve the oppression and stupor which

followed the blow. In a few minutes he opened and laid it before him.

Through a mist he made out these words:

MY FATHER AND MY MOTHER: I have gone with my husband. I married Richard

when he was ill, and to-night he came for me. When I left home, I knew

not I was to go. Only five minutes I had. In God's name, this is the

truth. Always, at the end of the world, I shall love you. Forgive me,

forgive me, mijn fader, mijn moeder.

Your child,

KATHERINE HYDE.

He tore the letter into fragments; but the next moment he picked them

up, folded them in a piece of paper, and put them in his pocket. Then he

went to Mrs. Gordon's. She had anticipated the visit, and was, in a

measure, prepared for it. With a smile and outstretched hands, she rose

from her chocolate to meet him. "You see, I am a terrible sluggard,

Councillor," she laughed; "but the colonel left early for Boston this

morning, and I cried myself into another sleep. And will you have a cup

of chocolate? I am sure you are too polite to refuse me."

"Madam, I came not on courtesy, but for my daughter. Where is my

Katherine?"

"Truth, sir, I believe her to be where every woman wishes,--with her

husband. I am sure I wish the colonel was with me."

"Her husband! Who, then?"

"Indeed, Councillor, that is a question easily answered,--my nephew,

Captain Hyde, at your service. You perceive, sir, we are now

connections; and I assure you I have the highest sense imaginable of the

honour."

"When were they married?"

"In faith, I have forgotten the precise date. It was in last October; I

know it was, because I had just received my winter manteau,--my blue

velvet one, with the fur bands.' "Who married them?"

"Oh, indeed! It was the governor's chaplain,--the Rev. Mr. Somers, a

relative of my Lord Somers, a most estimable and respectable person, I

assure you. Colonel Gordon, and Captain Earle, and myself, were the

witnesses. The governor gave the license; and, in consideration of

Dick's health, the ceremony was performed in his room. All was perfectly

correct and regular, I"-"It is not the truth. Pardon, madam; full of trouble am I. And it was

all irregular, and very wicked, and very cruel. If regular and right it

had been, then in secret it had not taken place."




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