Kate drew back, and said not another word; but Harson saw from her compressed lip that the reply had cut deeply; and catching her eye, he made a sign to her to leave them. Kate took the hint, and went out; and Harson, after looking Rhoneland steadily in the face for some time, said, 'Jacob, you have given _your_ reason why Ned Somers should not come here. It's a very poor one, and not such as I expected. Now I'll give you _mine_ why he _should_: Kate loves him, and he loves her.' Jacob knit his brows, but made no reply. 'And let me tell you, too, that unless you _do_ consent, your child will die. I'm in earnest. There are some who fall in love, as they call it, a hundred times; bestowing their affections, such as they are, sometimes on one, sometimes on another; until at last perhaps the owner of a handsome face offers his hand and gets in return the tattered thing they call their heart. God help me! this is called _love_. But thank God, for the credit of human nature, there are others who love as they should--purely, nobly, with their whole soul. These love once, and only once; and wo to the man who unwisely, or for his own selfish ends, crosses them! The sin of a broken heart too often lies at his door. Jacob, you're an old man; but you are not too old to have forgotten the wife who once was yours. You loved her well, my dear old fellow, I know it,' said he, taking his hand. 'She deserved it too. Kate is very like her. What would have been your feelings had any one stepped in between you and her?' Rhoneland grew very pale, and the tears came in his eyes. 'Come, come, Jacob, I'll not press the matter now; but you must reflect on what I've said; and you must not forget how much Kate has at stake. Ned's a glorious fellow, and will make your house very cheery.' 'Well, I'll think of it,' replied Rhoneland, after a short pause. '_Do_; that's a good fellow. I'll consider it a personal favor; and I _do_ think you owe me something for the pains I've taken in aiding to rid you of that rascal, Rust.' 'I do indeed owe you much,' replied Rhoneland, earnestly, 'and I am sincerely grateful.' 'Well, well, we wont speak of that; only reflect on what I have just said; and by the way,' added he, rising to go, 'you must oblige me in another matter. Two or three friends are to dine with me to-morrow; you and Kate must be of the party.' 'We will,' was the reply. 'Good! Now go up stairs and comfort Kate.' CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE.