Was there any meaning in the words she repeated so often, or did she say them merely with an idea of comforting herself? It was that very evening that I sat by myself in the library arranging some papers, and thinking at the same time what I must say to Coralie, and how I must say it, when the door suddenly opened and she entered. I looked at her, surprised, for she did not often intrude when I was alone and occupied. She was very pale. With quiet determination on her beautiful face, she walked up to me and leaned her arm on the back of my chair. "So, cousin," she said, "this marriage is going on?" "Certainly, Coralie. I pray to God nothing may prevent it." "You would lose your reason, I suppose, if you lost Agatha?" "I cannot tell. I only know that, no matter how long I lived, life would have no further charm for me." She bent her head caressingly over me; her perfumed hair touched my face. "Edgar," she whispered, "once more I lose sight of my woman's pride; once more I come to you and ask you--ah! do not turn from me--I ask you to give up Agatha, and"-- She paused, for very shame, I hope. "Give up Agatha and marry you, you would say, Coralie?" "Ah, dear, I love you so! You would never repent it. I would make you happy as a crowned king." I stopped her. "Say no more, Coralie! I am grieved and shocked that you should renew the subject. I told you before I should never love any woman, save Agatha Thesiger, were I to live forever." "Nothing will ever induce you to change your mind?" she asked, slowly. "No, nothing in the wide world." She paused for a few minutes, then she quietly lifted her arm from the chair. "Has it ever struck you," she said, "it may be in my power to do you deadly mischief?" "I never thought you capable of such a thing, nor do I believe that it is in your power." "It is," she said; "you and your sister are both in my power. If you are a wise man, you will take my terms and save yourself while there is time. Of course, if I were Lady Trevelyan, my interests would be yours; then, if I knew anything against your welfare, I should keep the secret faithfully--ah! a thousand times more faithfully than if it concerned my own life." She looked earnestly at me. "You hold no secrets of mine, Coralie. I have no secrets. Thank God, my life is clear and open--a book any one may read. Supposing I had a secret, I should not purchase the keeping of it by any such compromise as you suggest. I detest all mysteries, Coralie--all underhand doings, all deceit. Speak out and tell me, Coralie, what you mean." "I shall speak out when the time comes. Once more, Cousin Edgar, be reasonable; save yourself--save me." She withdrew some steps from me, and looked at me with her whole soul in her eyes. "I will not hear another word, Coralie. I do not wish to offend you, or to speak harshly to you; but this I do say--if ever you mention this, to me, hateful subject, I will never voluntarily address you again--never while I live."