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Rh begin a new score—and never to allude to the old one. Only I think you had better not stay here now. It might—it might be misunderstood."

He looked crestfallen. "I suppose you learnt from Lord Robert that I knew who you were? Did that change all your kindly feeling towards me? You did not discourage my return. I hoped you would let me remain near you for a while. When we parted you said—you would be always glad to—see me."

"And so I shall be, by-and-by, in England. But at present everything is changed with me," she added with a sigh. "Here I am passing my days sorrowfully in a sick-room, and, on every account, I should not wish you to stay here. Do not think me rude—but it is better so."

He was bitterly chagrined; but he would not even now own himself defeated. After a pause he asked—

"When do you expect to be in England, Miss Shaw? My uncle says, now that Mr. William is dead, there are many things on your Whiteburn estate that require your presence to decide what is to be done."

"They must go on as they are for the present. My return depends on my friend's health. She cannot live very long. When she is gone"—there was a break in her voice—"I shall go back there."

"And you will let me know? You will let me come and see you?"

"I shall let your uncle know at once, Mr. Daintree."

He saw it was useless to remain longer. Indeed, she herself rose, and walked to the window. He followed her.

"Say you forgive me."