“And you can say nothing to change my mind; I was too young at the time. But now--if she has died,” Rosalind said, with difficulty swallowing down the “climbing sorrow” in her throat, “she will know at least what we meant. And if she is living there is no rest but with our mother for Amy and me. And the child shall not suffer, Uncle John, for she shall have what is mine.” “Rosalind, you are still in the absolute stage--you see nothing that can modify your purposes. My dear, you should have had your mother to speak to on this subject. There are two men here, Rosalind, to whom--have you not some duty, some obligation? They both seem to me to be waiting--for what, Rosalind?” Rosalind detached herself from her uncle’s arm. A crimson flush covered her face. “Is it--dishonorable?” she said. In the midst of his emotion John Trevanion could not suppress a smile. “That is, perhaps, a strong word.” “It would be dishonorable in a man,” she cried, lifting her eyes with a hot color under them which seemed to scorch her. “It would be impossible in a man, Rosalind,” he said gravely; “the circumstances are altogether different. And yet you too owe something to Roland, who has loved you all his life, poor fellow, and to Rivers, who has come here neglecting everything for your sake. I do not know,” he added, in a harsher tone, “whether there may not be still another claim.” “I think you are unjust, Uncle John,” she said, with tremulous dignity. “And if it is as you say, these gentlemen have followed their own inclinations, not mine. Am I bound because they have seen fit-- But that would be slavery for a woman.” Then her countenance cleared a little, and she added, “When you know all that is in my mind you will not disapprove.” “I hope you will make a wise decision, Rosalind,” he said. “But at least do nothing--make up your mind to do nothing--till the time comes.” He spoke vaguely, and so did she, but in the excitement of their minds neither remarked this in the other. For he had not hinted to her, nor her to him, the possibility of some great new event which might happen at any moment and change all plans and thoughts. CHAPTER LVII.