“And give them my love and good wishes,” murmured Catherine, shyly, but not wishing to dismiss them so coldly, for her desolate heart had been comforted by the looks of sincere respect and affection with which they had seemed to receive and accept her as their new mistress. Major Clifton merely threw up his chin with an assenting nod, muttering— “The popularity-seeking instinct of the diplomatist.” He then conducted her into the drawing-room, led her up its whole length, and seated her upon a sofa with ironical ceremony, saying— “Mrs. Clifton, you are welcome to White Cliffs.” Startled by his tone, she looked up, lifting those long, drooping lashes, until her soft, dark eyes at last met his cold, rebuking gaze. Then his whole aspect changed, and from having been sarcastic and scornful, became grave and severe. Standing before her, he folded his arms, drew himself up, and keeping his eyes fixed steadily upon her face, said— “And now, lady, listen to me. The aim and object of your life is accomplished—consummated. You have at length attained the position to which you have long aspired, for which you have long and deeply and successfully played. You are numbered among the ladies of the county aristocracy. You bear the haughtiest name of all. You are Mrs. Clifton, of Clifton.” All this time her eyes, wide open, dilated, fascinated by surprise and grief, met his stern gaze in sorrowful wonder, He continued— “Yes, madam, you wear my name such as it is. You rule my house such as _it_ is! But as for its poor master, lady, he is your most humble servant, but no lover!” Her eyes fell beneath his sarcastic look, and she was tempted to wish herself dead. He continued— “I leave here in a few days, for the purpose of raising a company to serve in the coming war with Great Britain. You will remain here at White Cliffs to take charge of affairs during my absence. If you really hoped to flaunt in the city this winter, I am sorry for your disappointment. But there are duties as well as dignities attending the position of the mistress of Clifton, and these must not be neglected. I shall exact their performance. The overseer and the farm laborers, as well as the housekeeper and her assistants, have orders to obey you in everything. Good-morning, madam.” And so abruptly he turned upon his heel and left her. One moment she sat there amazed, confused, with her hands pressed upon her temples; and in another, losing all feeling for herself—feeling only for him, she sprung to his side, and caught his hand, exclaiming— “Stay! For the love of Heaven, stay! one moment—only one moment, while you tell me. Oh! _after all_, have I made _you_ unhappy?” “Unhappy! You have been and you are the bane of my life!” “_How?_ Merciful Heaven, _how?_ when I only wish to consecrate mine to you!” “Do you dare to ask me?” “Well!—tell me—tell me! _how_ can I remedy my fault—whatever it is? What can I do to comfort you?”