To this statement Katharine listened with a generous admiration of the gallant boy, and a hearty approval of his conduct; moreover, she felt that, by this arrangement, she should have a young protector, not only for the family, but whom she could depend upon as a shield from the dreaded importunities of Sir Charles, and whose presence would take away one of her father’s excuses for urging upon her an abhorred connection. Of Arthur’s conduct and character she felt sure: he looked up to her with the reverence of a son and the affection of a brother; and though her heart beat with a regretted fondness for another Heywood, a cousin separated from her by fate and fortune, towards this youth Arthur she entertained the composed and quiet affection of a young mother or an elder sister; therefore she rejoiced at the prospect of his return to Milverton, and promised to say every thing to her father which could move him to consent to this proposal. Juxon now left the ladies, and walked on at a faster pace towards the house. As soon as he was out of hearing, Katharine took Jane by the hand, and looking steadfastly into her face, said,-- “My dear, dear friend, it is the privilege of friendship, and it is the enjoined duty of Christians, to weep with those that weep:--Juxon is right--you are unhappy--some secret sorrow is devouring your inward peace--reveal it to me.” “Nay, Katharine, urge me not:--every heart knoweth its own bitterness--to every one is appointed some inward cross, which is better borne in silence.” “Yet the sympathy of a friend is as a balm to the wounded spirit--a balm, Jane, which you have often poured gently and sweetly into mine, to the refreshment of my soul and the comfort of my aching heart;--besides, Jane, we must not let our private and inward griefs prey upon and consume our vital strength at a period like the present:--great trials are coming upon us, and severe duties will soon demand all our energies.” “I know it, beloved Katharine,--and by your side I can meet them all. You are to me, all things: I have nothing on earth but you to whom I can cling: the stream of my heart would run to waste if it might not flow forth on you.” “Hush! beloved,--hush!--these words are vain,”--and pointing to the blue sky and the fleecy clouds above them, Katharine silently conveyed to Jane her soft reproof and gentle admonition. “I know all that you would say to me,” answered the mournful girl; “but, when all is said, how much of our present being must ever remain a mystery--sunbeams shine upon our heads, and violets spring beneath our feet--and yet, Kate, the world which this God of love hath created is a scene of misery--you know it is. What have you ever done that your brow should be clouded with sorrow, and your cheek blanched by care----”