"And if he does come back," she said, "it will be to go away again." "We shall see that," I replied indignantly. "I will not let him, Kate. He has accustomed me to have my way of late, and in this I will have it." She shook her head incredulously; but I was confident and did not heed her; a low rumbling sound down the street had attracted my attention. "There he is!" I cried joyfully; and with a beating heart I ran to the street door. I opened it very softly, and keeping it ajar, I listened. The sound had ceased, and for a moment all I heard was the voice of Kate whispering in my ear-- "Daisy, if you let him go this time, I shall never forgive you. Do not mind what I said; keep him; you can if you wish." I had not time to think on her words or ask her for their meaning; a quick and well-known step was coming up the Grove--the garden gate opened--no bell rang, but a hand tapped lightly at the parlour shutters. I opened the door wide and Cornelius, for it was he, came up to me. "I have forgotten my passport," he said, in a low tone; "it is on the table in the back-parlour. Is she still asleep?" Before I could reply, the moon, that had kept hid behind a dark cloud, came forth bright and undimmed; her light fell on my face; I saw him start. "Will you not come in, Cornelius?" I said quietly. But he stood there at the door of his own home, mute and motionless as a statue. "Well then," I continued, "I must go out to you; perhaps before you cross the seas again, standing on the threshold of your dwelling, you will not refuse to grant me what you did not think fit to give me within it--the luxury of a last adieu--of a last embrace!" I stepped out to him as I spoke; but he made me re-enter the house, and followed me in. "Daisy," he said, with a sigh, "I wished to leave whilst you were away, and fate brought you back; I stole away whilst you were asleep, and I was compelled to return and find you awake. I thought to spare us both some pain. I cannot; be it so; you shall have your wish." His voice plainly said: "Your wish, and no more." "Very well," I replied, quietly; for though I was resolved he should not go, I knew better than to startle him. We re-entered together the back parlour; Kate had left it; but the lamp still burned on the table. Cornelius sat down by it; his face was pale, watchful, determined. I saw he was fully on his guard, and prepared to resist unflinchingly to the last. I was as determined to insist and prevail. Oh! daily life, that art called tame and reproved as dull, how is it that to me thou hast ever been so full of strange agitating dramas, I sat down by Cornelius; I passed my arm within his, and looking up into his face, I said: "When, a few hours ago, I felt so glad to see you safe, Cornelius, I knew not I was looking my last for a long time." He did not answer; I continued: