Very often she had been tempted to ask Mr. Hammond why Mr. Murray so sedulously shunned him; but the shadow which fell upon his countenance whenever St. Elmo's name was accidentally mentioned, made her shrink from alluding to the subject which he evidently avoided discussing. Before she had walked beyond the outskirts of the village, Mr. Leigh joined her and she felt the color rise in her cheeks as his fine eyes rested on her face, and his hand pressed hers. "You must forgive me for telling you how bitterly I was disappointed in not seeing you two days ago. Why did you absent yourself from the table?" "Because I had no desire to meet Mrs. Murray's guests, and preferred to spend my time with Mr. Hammond." "If he were not old enough to be your grandfather, I believe I should be jealous of him. Edna, do not be offended, I am so anxious about you--so pained at the change in your appearance. Last Sunday as you sat in church I noticed how very pale and worn you looked, and with what weariness you leaned your head upon your hand. Mrs. Murray says you are very well, but I know better. You are either sick in body or mind; which is it?" "Neither, Mr. Leigh. I am quite well, I assure you." "You are grieved about something, which you are unwilling to confide to me. Edna, it is keen pain that sometimes brings that quiver to your lips, and if you would only tell me! Edna, I know that I--" "You conjure up a spectre. I have nothing to confide, and there is no trouble which you can relieve." They walked on silently for a while, and then Gordon said: "I am going away day after to-morrow, to be absent at least for several months, and I have come to ask a favor which you are too generous to deny. I want your ambrotype or photograph, and I hope you will give it to me without hesitation." "I have never had a likeness of any kind taken." "There is a good artist here; will you not go to-day and have one taken for me?" "No, Mr. Leigh." "Oh, Edna! Why not?" "Because I do not wish you to think of remembering me. The sooner you forget me entirely, save as a mere friend, the happier we both shall be." "But that is impossible. If you withhold your picture it will do no good, for I have your face here in my heart, and you cannot take that image from me." "At least I will not encourage feelings which can bring only pain to me and disappointment to yourself. I consider it unprincipled and contemptible in a woman to foster or promote in any degree an affection which she knows she can never reciprocate. If I had fifty photographs I would not give you one. My dear friend, let the past be forgotten; it saddens me whenever I think of it, and is a barrier to all pleasant, friendly intercourse. Good-bye, Mr. Leigh. You have my best wishes on your journey." "Will you not allow me to see you home?" "I think it is best--I prefer that you should not. Mr. Leigh, promise me that you will struggle against this feeling which distresses me beyond expression."