in will tell you
that it will make no difference, but it _will_, and you and I won't
pretend. It can never be easy to step down and take a second place
where one has been first, and a sister fares poorly when there's a wife
in possession! But Martin is not like other men; he is _big_, big
enough to love us both. He wants you to live with us; it was one of the
first things he said. He thought of you in the--midst! And he meant
it, Katrine!"

"It was good of him. I know he meant it, but I could never consent.
That is the last thing I could do. Honestly, Grizel, do you think it is
possible?"

Grizel pondered thoughtfully.

"It would be difficult! Worse for you than for me. You'd be in my
way--sometimes, I'd be in yours--always! And if I were cross, I'd snap,
and grumble to Martin, and you, poor lamb! would shut it all up in your
heart. I think, dear, we won't discuss it to-day. There's plenty of
time, and I'm not in the mood to come down to bare, bald facts.--I'm
horribly happy, Katrine, but you must be happy too! It will spoil it
all if you are mumpy. Think what you want most, and I'll get it for
you, if the skies fall!"

That was kind and sweet, and wise into the bargain, but Katrine did not
know what she wanted; for all her resolution she could not banish the
haunting fear of the future. She dreaded the first meeting with Martin;
knew in her heart that the dread would be mutual. When they did meet an
hour later she was amazed at the change on his face. He looked pale and
shaken; oppressed, rather than exultant; but it was the extraordinary
revival of youth which struck her dumb. The heavy lines seemed wiped
away, the eyes looked at her, glad and shy; the eyes of a boy.

Katrine held out her hands, but he took her into his arms, and pressed
his lips to her forehead.

"Grizel has told you!--I can't realise it yet. It is too wonderful.
You will be glad for me, dear, for you _knew_ what has gone before. I
can never thank you enough for all you have done for me, these eight
years. And I have been so dull and impatient. This will make no
difference between us. You know that, Katrine!"

Katrine smiled. It would make just all the difference in the world, but
she could not be ungenerous enough to damp his joy. It was something
that Grizel understood!

"I am glad that you are happy, dear boy. I do congratulate you. Grizel
will be an inspiring wife. No one could live with her and find life
bo