er, and she had thought before that
he wished to avoid her. But now, surely, he wanted to speak to her--he
wanted to say something kind. Presently he rose from his seat near the
fire, and placed himself on the ottoman opposite to her.

'Well, Tina, and how have you been all this long time?' Both the tone and
the words were an offence to her; the tone was so different from the old
one, the words were so cold and unmeaning. She answered, with a little
bitterness,--'I think you needn't ask. It doesn't make much difference to
you.'

'Is that the kindest thing you have to say to me after my long absence?'

'I don't know why you should expect me to say kind things.'

Captain Wybrow was silent. He wished very much to avoid allusions to the
past or comments on the present. And yet he wished to be well with
Caterina. He would have liked to caress her, make her presents, and have
her think him very kind to her. But these women are plaguy perverse!
There's no bringing them to look rationally at anything. At last he said,
'I hoped you would think all the better of me, Tina, for doing as I have
done, instead of bearing malice towards me. I hoped you would see that it
is the best thing for every one--the best for your happiness too.'

'O pray don't make love to Miss Assher for the sake of my happiness,'
answered Tina.

At this moment the door opened, and Miss Assher entered, to fetch her
reticule, which lay on the harpsichord. She gave a keen glance at
Caterina, whose face was flushed, and saying to Captain Wybrow with a
slight sneer, 'Since you are so chill I wonder you like to sit in the
window,' left the room again immediately.

The lover did not appear much discomposed, but sat quiet a little longer,
and then, seating himself on the music-stool, drew it near to Caterina,
and, taking her hand, said, 'Come, Tina, look kindly at me, and let us be
friends. I shall always be your friend.'

'Thank you,' said Caterina, drawing away her hand. 'You are very
generous. But pray move away. Miss Assher may come in again.'

'Miss Assher be hanged!' said Anthony, feeling the fascination of old
habit returning on him in his proximity to Caterina. He put his arm round
her waist, and leaned his cheek down to hers. The lips couldn't help
meeting after that; but the next moment, with heart swelling and tears
rising, Caterina burst away from him, and rushed out of the room.

Chapter 7

Caterina tore herself from Anthony with the d