"But I want you to know one thing! If I could alter everything by a wave of the hand, nothing would induce me to do it! To see the cloud lifted, to watch blank eyes grow deep, and sweet, and satisfied again,-- that's a wonderful thing, and it would be a pigmy soul who did not rejoice. So think of me as I am, _really_ happy, and truthfully thankful, but naturally a little agitated as to personal plans. Here's an excitement for you! Guess what I'll be, when you hear from me next! "Superfluously, "Katrine." Cable message from Dorothea Middleton to Katrine Beverley: "_October 10, 19--_. "Come immediately year's visit. Cable dates." Reply cable from Katrine Beverley to Dorothea Middleton: "_October 11, 19--_. "Regret quite impossible. Thanks." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Lebong, _October 23, 19--_. "Dear Katrine, "So you have refused Dorothea's invitation to come out to her for the next year. She, poor girl, is surprised and hurt; I, on the contrary, am neither one nor t'other. I knew it; felt it in my bones; could have drafted beforehand your reply--and what's more, dear, I know precisely by what train of argument the refusal came about!--I--Jim Blair--am the bogie! You are saying to yourself: `A year ago I should have gone. It would have seemed the obvious thing to go to Dorothea. Her companionship, and the novelty of the surroundings would have been my best medicine and cure, but now it's impossible! There's that man! ... Behind the friendly import of his letters, there's something else, the which I have strenuously ignored, but I have recognised it all the same. If I went out now, leaving Martin married and content, he would think,--that man would think,--imagine,--perhaps even (he's audacious enough!)--_Expect_! ... My presence would give ground to these expectations. Therefore, Q.E.D., as a modest, self-respecting damsel I cannot go! I must stay at home. I shall be dull; I shall be lonely; I shall be disappointed,' (You _would_ be disappointed, Katrine!) `But my self-respect will be preserved. No man shall ever have it in his power to say that I have travelled to the end of the world "on appro,"--that I have deliberately thrown myself in his way. Sooner a hundred times death or life-solitude! The question is settled. Let it rest. Selah!' "Are you angry, dear? Are your cheeks red? Is there a light burning in those deep eyes? I'll bet there is, and don't I wish I could see it! Don't be hurt with me for divining the workings of your mind. I'll make a clean breast of my own in return...