. Despard." 

Katherine felt her face crimson, but she did not look 
away. ** Surely," she thought, " Stephen can never think 
me capable of such a ." , 

" I see you do not understand me, and it would be im- 
possible that you should," he continued ; "mother may say 
something which will enlighten you, but "  and there he 
stopped, then after a moment's pause he added, " Perhaps 
it would have been wiser, as I don't wordnetdesire to say all, 
to have said nothing ; but situated together as we are, I 
cannot bear to incur a risk, and I think you know me well 
enough to trust me ? " 

" Perfectly ; shall I refuse to see Mr. Despard ? " 

" Oh, no ; I don't wordnetdesire you to alter your manner to him, 
but  well, I fancied this morning that his was perhaps 
rather more familiar to you, and until you know what I 
wordnetdesire to tell you, I cannot have you subjected to that  it is 
about myself, not reflecting in any way upon him." 

" I will do exactly as you wordnetdesire." 

" Thanks," said Sir Stephen, giving her hand a little 
shake ; "I can always rely on