What he had subconsciously hoped the night before, what his underlying strength had been founded upon, he would never be able to know, for now he felt every line of escape from, heaven knew what, closing upon him; permitting no choice, wiping out all the security of happiness; leaving--chaff. For a moment, he forgot the question he had just asked, but Kathryn was struggling to answer it. "About you and me, Brace. Oh! help me. It is so hard; so hard, dear, to tell you, but you must realize that because of the things she said, I estimated the seriousness of her condition and I cannot spare myself! Brace, she knows that you and I--have been putting off our marriage because of her!" There was one mad moment when Northrup felt he was going to laugh; but instantly the desire fled and ended in something approaching a groan. "Go on!" he said quietly, and resumed his seat by the fire. "I think we have been careless rather than thoughtful, dear. Older people can be hurt by such kindness--if they are wonderful and proud like your mother. She cannot bear to--to be an obstacle." "An obstacle? Good Lord!" Northrup jammed a log to its place and so relieved his feelings. "Well, my dearest, you must see the position I was placed in?" "Yes, Kathryn, I do. You're a brick, my dear, but--how did you know where I was, if you did not go to Manly?" Kathryn looked up, and all the childlike confidence and sweetness she could summon lay in her lovely eyes. "Dearest, I remembered the address on the letter you sent to your mother. Because I wanted to keep this secret about our fear from her--I came alone and I knew that people here could direct me if you had gone away. I was prepared to follow you--anywhere!"--Kathryn suddenly recalled her small hand-bag upstairs--"Brace, I was frightened, bearing it alone. I _had_ to have you. Oh! Brace." Northrup found the girl in his arms. His face was against hers--her tears were falling and she was sobbing helplessly. The net, it was a purse net now, drew close. "Brace, Brace, we must make her happy, together. I will share everything with you--I have been so heedless; so selfish--but my life is now yours and--hers!" Guilt filled the aroused soul of Northrup. As far as in him lay he--surrendered! With characteristic swiftness and thoroughness he closed his eyes and made his dash! "Kathryn, you mean you will marry me; you will--do this for me and her?" "Yes." Just then Aunt Polly came into the room. Her quick, keen eye took in the scene and her gentle heart throbbed in sympathy. She came over to the two and hovered near them, patting Northrup's shoulder and Kathryn's head indiscriminately. She crooned over them and finally got them to the dining-room and the evening meal. An early start for the morrow was planned, and by nine o'clock Kathryn went to her room.