he goes too.

{Kate.} _(faltering)_ Yes, I know--going away--
soon.

{Gil.} Well, Squire, I parted from him less than an
hour ago, and he grips my hand and says to me,
"Gilbert, you're the only soul that know's our secret,
and you're my friend and hers, and we trust you."
--God bless him for that, Squire! "And, Gilbert,"
says he, "I'm packed off to the Rajkote station in
India, where many a gravestone marks the end of a
short life. It's a good country for broken hearts,
Gilbert. And, Gilbert," says he, "I want to wish
_her_ a good-bye. She won't refuse me that, Gilbert,
she can't refuse me that." _(Kate goes to fire)_ Ah,
Squire, I've got a man's heart, though it's rough, and
all my poor disappointments and troubles are nothing
to such a sorrow as this. And I'm here for your
answer, Squire--waiting.

{Kate.} I can't see him. I must not see him. I
am weak--ill. My answer--no!

{Gil.} I won't take it, Squire. My heart goes out
to him. I can't bear that answer back.

{Kate.} Then tell him that you found me well,
cheerful, with a smile, among my people. Say it is
better as it is; that we must learn to forget--say
anything, _(she sinks helplessly in chair)_

{Gil.} Oh, Squire! _(approaches her)_

{Kate.} Do as I bid you--keep him away from me
--that's all.

{Gil.} _(walks sadly over to L., C, then turns)_
Nothing more.

{Kate.} Nothing more.

_(The door L., opens, and Chris. enters with Izod
at her heels.)_

{Chris.} _(to Gil.)_ Gilbert, the children are crying
out for you to tell them your fairy stories, and sing
your songs to them.

{Gil.} I'm coming, _(crosses to L.)_
_(Chris, and Izod. go up stage R., As Gil. is leaving,
Kate rises and calls him.)_

{Kate.} Gilbert! _(crosses to Gilbert)_

{Gil.} _(turning)_ Squire!

{Kate.} _(she lays her hand on his arm--aside)_
Gilbert--I--I have thought about it. Tell Mr. Thorndyke
that the poor folks look for a glimpse of him
to-day. That he shouldn't leave England without
seeing the last of Verity's farm. Gilbert, say that
we need not meet, _(quickly)_ Go--tell him to come
to me!

_(Gil. hurries off; Kate sits on couch L., Chris.
stands before her. Izod. comes down C.)_

{Chris.} You're going to turn