Page 88 (1/2)

"No, certainly not," she answered eagerly, then made a little hesitation

that made him ask further

"My only fear," she said candidly, "is, that if this is pressed le with you and herself too, it may hurt her

health Trouble tells not on her cheerfulness, but on her nerves"

"Thank you," he said, "I will refrain"

Alison was much happier than she had been since the first apprehension

of his return The first pang at seeing Ermine's heart another's

property had been subdued; the present state of affairs was

indefinitely-prolonged, and she not only felt trust in Colin Keith's

consideration for her sister, but she knew that an act of oblivion was

past on her perpetration of the injury She was right His original

pitying repugnance to a rave, saddened woman devoted to her sister, and in the friendly

brotherly tone of that interview, each understood the other And when

Alison ca with Colin," her look

to know hi to sympathize with him, Ermine," with steady eyes and voice

"You are hard on him"

"Now, Ailie," said Ermine, "once for all, he is not to set you on me,