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'How have I?'

'O Stephen, you ask how! Do you think I could one thus far with you? Have I not shown beyond possibility of doubt that I can be nobody else's? Have I not irretrievably co in the face ofback, and I cannot explain it It rong to go with you at all; and though it would have been worse to go further, it would have been better policy, perhaps Be assured of this, that whenever you have a home for me--however poor and humble--and come and claim me, I am ready' She added bitterly, 'When lad to let e at once!' Stephen answered, seeing a ray of hope in the very focus of her remorse 'I hope he may, even if we had still to part till I am ready for you, as we intended'

Elfride did not reply

'You don't seem the saood-bye Go back now' And she reined the horse for parting 'O Stephen,' she cried, 'I feel so weak! I don't kno to meet him Cannot you, after all, come back with me?'

'Shall I come?'

Elfride paused to think

'No; it will not do It is my utter foolishness that makes me say such words But he will send for you'

'Say to him,' continued Stephen, 'that we did this in the absolute despair of our minds Tell him we don't wish him to favour us--only to deal justly with us If he says, marry now, so ht by his proh for you--which e for his treasure--the more sorry I; but all the love, and all the life, and all the labour of an honest man shall be yours As to when this had better be told, I leave you to judge'

His words h to toy with her position

'And if ill report should coe-tree e's tiive '