h that
gentle solicitude which women prize, he lifted the neglected cloak and
tenderly wrapped it about her shoulders.

"Thank you," she said gratefully, faintly smiling up at him, "but I
hardly need it. I do not feel at all cold. The air is so pleasant and
the sun is not yet set, you see. Did you wish to see me about anything
special, Lord Desborough?"

"No--yes--that is-- Oh, Mistress Katharine, the one special want of my
life is to see you always and everywhere. You know that,--nay, never
lift your hand,--I remember. I will try not to trespass upon your
orders again. I came to tell you that--I am going away."

"Going away," she repeated sadly. "Has your exchange been made?"

"Yes; a courier came to the Hall a short time since, and here it is.
My orders, you see; I must leave at once."

"I am sorry, indeed sorry that you must go."

He started suddenly as if to speak, a little flash of hope flickering
in his despondent face; but she continued quickly,--

"It has been very pleasant for us to have you here, except that you
have been a prisoner; but now you will be free, and for that, of
course, I rejoice. But I have so few friends left," she went on
mournfully, "I am loath to see one depart, even though he be an enemy."

"Oh, do not call me an enemy, I entreat you, Katharine. Oh, let me
speak just once again," he interrupted with his usual impetuosity; "and
talk not to me of freedom! While the earth holds you I am not free:
ay, even should Heaven claim you, I still am bound. All the days of my
captivity here I have been a most willing and happy prisoner,--your
prisoner. I have looked forward with dread and anguish to the day when
I might be exchanged and have to go away. Here would I have been
content to pass my life, by your side. Oh, once again let me plead!
My duty, my honor, call me now to the service of my king. I no longer
have excuse for delay, but you have almost made me forget there was a
king. Now that I must go, why should I go alone?" he went on eagerly.
"I know, I know you love the--the other,--but he is gone. You do not
hate me, you even like me; you regret my going; perhaps as days go by,
you will regret it more. We are at least friends; let me take care of
you in future. Oh, it kills me to see you so white, and indifferent to
life and all that it has or should have for you. You are only a girl
yet,--I cannot bear to see all the color gone out of your sweet face,
the light out