"I took my own leave," said Paul, and dropped his cheery note, fixing his eyes steadily on hers. "You will come away--from here--with me;"--and she felt his hand close upon her arm. She looked at it, and at him stupidly. She made no outcry. "Come," repeated Paul. She shook her head. "You are going to come. That was what brought me here. Do you understand me, Leo?" "No--no." She made a faint, weak effort to release herself. "You must obey me." "I shall not." "You must obey a Higher Power than mine. In God's name I command you to leave this baleful spot." "Paul!" But she obeyed, cowering. In silence they moved on, neither knowing which way they trod, then suddenly: "It was you who broke that branch I heard--you who tracked me all the way--I heard something--it was _you_ I heard? How could you?--how could you?--?" cried Leo, sobbing aloud. "Oh, to think that it was _you_!" "It was I, dear Leo, sent to save you in your hour of need. You are ill--you are not yourself--you know not what you are doing;--but there is One who watches over His children, and in the hour of danger and temptation----" "But why did he send _you_? Paul, do you believe you were really sent by Him?" she was awed, but scarcely subdued--"because _I_ don't. I cannot think even God would be so cruel as to choose _you_----" she broke off panting. "He chooses His own instruments, Leo. Do not let this distress you, dear little sister--I may call you 'sister,' mayn't I?--You can trust me, can you not? Lean on me," he drew her hand within his arm, "and tell me you forgive----" "Forgive--forgive?" she sobbed afresh. "Is it I to forgive--I who have done it all? Paul, don't you _know_? Don't you _see_?" "I only see a poor little lamb that has lost its fold." "But the little lamb has been straying in other folds, and it was so dark there, Paul--so dark and cold,--oh, Paul, why did you stop me? Why--why did you save me? You know. _You know_;"--her sobs were heartrending. He was silent. "You were happy till you came here," said Leo, brokenly. "You loved Maud--at least you thought you did, and she, she still thinks she loves you. She----" "Hush--no more. You must not say such things, Leo." He was calm no longer; the sweat broke out upon his brow. "But it is the truth. Oh, it is--it is the truth." "There are truths that must not be spoken. You must not, you shall not say what you would repent of all your life." "Who is to speak if I do not? I am the only one----" "Am I fallen so low that I would let _you_ proclaim the secrets of my coward heart? If _my_ lips are sealed, so shall _yours_ be," he cried, in great agitation. "If I have made a terrible mistake, it is my own mistake, and I shall abide by it." "Paul--Paul,--" she clung more closely to him. "Say you forgive me, Paul."