te me that last week, I went to see her at the
school--I don't dare go to Rosemount--and I asked her to forgive me for
proposing to her. I told her, or at least I hinted at the tragedy in
her life, and I said I wanted to beg her pardon on my knees for
troubling her as I had done,--and that I couldn't forgive myself. Oh,
she just acted like an angel--there is no other word to describe her.
She asked me at first how I found out and then she said so sweetly and
gently, that she thanked me for my consideration. And then, just
because she was so good--I did it again! I really didn't mean it, but
before I knew what I was doing, I was asking her again if there was any
hope for me. And, oh dear! oh dear! she said 'no' again. Gave me not
the least hope. I was so overcome--you don't know how a man feels
about such things, Roderick. I was so overcome I burst out and said I
felt just as if I would have given all I possessed to meet that Wells
man. I said I could just treat him with the coldest contempt if I ever
met him on the street. And she answered so sweetly that I must not
worry on her account. She said she had cared once, but that was all
over, and that she was glad now that it had been so. And she
added--and I don't see hew any one with such eyes could be so
cruel--she said I must never, never speak of such a subject to her
again, and that if I ever did she would not let me even come near her.
So it's all over with me. I am not going to follow her about any more.
I have still been coming down to Willow Lane, but I am coming no more
after to-night. This is the end!"

They had reached the office door and paused. Roderick's sympathy
seemed to have suddenly vanished. In the very face of the other young
man's despair, he turned upon him ruthlessly.

"That's a wise resolution, Alf," he said distinctly. "And I'm going to
advise you strongly to stick to it. You keep the width of the town
between you and Miss Murray from now on, do you understand?"

"What--whatever do you mean?" stammered the boy, aghast at the cruelty
of one who had seemed a friend.

"Just what I say. On your own showing, you've been tormenting her;
and--I--well, I won't have it--that's all. I feel sure you have the
good sense to stick to your resolution," his tone was a trifle
kindlier, "and for your own sake I hope you do. If not, look out!" He
made a significant gesture, that made the other jump out of his way in
terror. "And look here,