So while he and the Van Heemskirks discussed the matter,--a little

reluctantly, he thought, on their part,--Katherine talked with Joanna of

the Gordons. Her heart was so full of her lover, that it was a relief to

discuss the people and things nearest to him. And her very repression

excited her. She toyed with her cambric kerchief before the small

looking-glass, and imitated the fashionable English lady with a piquant

cleverness that provoked low peals of laughter, and a retrospective

discussion of the evening, which was merry enough, without being in the

least ill-natured.

But, oh, in what strange solitudes every separate soul dwells! When

Katherine kissed her sister, and said simperingly, with the highest

English accent, "La, child, I protest it has been the most agreeable

evening," Joanna had not a suspicion of the joy and danger that had come

to the dear little one at her side. She was laughing softly with her,

even while the fearful father stood at the closed door, and lifted up

his tender soul in that pathetic petition, "Ach, mijn kind! mijn kind!

mijn liefste kind! Almighty God preserve thee from all sin and sorrow!"




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