t.

Connie sprang up--her face transformed.

"Did you hear that? We have--we have--given him pleasure!"

"Yes--for an hour," said Falloden hoarsely. Then he added--"The doctors
say he ought to go south.".

"Of course he ought!" Connie was pacing up and down, her hands behind
her, her eyes on the ground. "Can't Mr. Sorell take him?"

"He could take him out, but he couldn't stay. The college can't spare
him. He feels his first duty is to the college?"

"And you?" She raised her eyes timidly.

"What good should I be alone?" he said, with difficulty. "I'm a pretty
sort of a nurse!"

There was a pause. Connie trembled and flushed. Then she moved forward,
both her little hands outstretched.

"Take me with you!" she murmured under her breath. But her eyes said
more--far more.

The next moment she was in Falloden's arms, strained against his
breast--everything else lost and forgotten, as their lips met, in the
just selfishness of passion.

Then he released her, stepping back from her, his strong face quivering.

"I was a mean wretch to let you do that!" he said, with energy.

She eyed him.

"Why?"

"Because I have no right to let you give yourself to me--throw
yourself away on me--just because we have been doing this thing
together,--because you are sorry for Otto--and"--his voice
dropped--"perhaps for me."

"Oh!" It was a cry of protest. Coming nearer she put her two hands
lightly on his shoulders--.

"Do you think"--he saw her breath fluttering--"do you think I should let
any one--any one--kiss me--like that! just because I was sorry for
them--or for some one else?"

He stood motionless beneath her touch.

"You are sorry for me--you angel!--and you're sorry for Otto--and you
want to make up to everybody--and make everybody happy--and--"

"And one can't!" said Connie quietly, her eyes bright with tears. "Don't
I know that? I repeat"--her colour was very bright--"but perhaps you
won't believe, that--that"--then she laughed--"_of my own free will_, I
never kissed anybody before?"

"Constance!" He threw his strong arms round her again. But she slipped
out of them.

"Am I believed?" The tone was peremptory.

Falloden stooped, lifted her hand and kissed it humbly.

"You know you ought to marry a duke!" he said, trying to laugh, but with
a swelling throat.

"Thank you--I never saw a duke yet I wanted to marry."

"That's it. You've seen so little. I am a pauper, and you might marry
anybody. It's ta