"Sorry!" she cried angrily. "Oh, why am I such a mad fool? Why did I betray myself like this?" "Hush!" he said softly, as he held her hand between both of his; "listen to me. Do you think I have not seen for long enough that you are beautiful, and that--" "How dare you?" she cried fiercely. "It is not true." "You must hear me," he said; "and forgive my awkwardness for speaking as I do. You know my story so well: have I not always been steadfast to that love?" She sobbed violently and tried to snatch away her hand, but he held it firmly. "I have always tried to be to you as a friend. Heaven knows I would not have wounded you like this." "Yes," she sobbed bitterly, "Heaven knows." "Why did you stab me with those cruel words?" he cried resentfully. "I don't know," she wailed. "I was mad. It makes me mad to see you go on worshipping her as you do. Does she make you love and hate her too, as she does me?" "Hush--hush!" he said quickly. "I want to like and respect you, Cora Dean." "Like! Respect!" she cried, with a flash of her former rage. "Why have I degraded myself like this?" "Do you not trust me?" he said gently, as he looked in her eyes. "Do you think I should be such a despicable coward as ever to whisper word of this to a soul? Come," he said, with a frank smile, "we have both been unfortunate. Let us be friends." "Friends?" she cried. "No; a woman never forgives a slight like this. Do you think I could?" "Yes," he said, after a few moments' pause. "You hate me, and are bitter against me now; but when you have grown calm you will respect me, I am sure. Cora," he cried, with an outburst as excited as her own, "there is no such thing as love or truth on earth. I--Bah! What am I saying?" he cried, checking himself. "Come, we are friends. Let me help you to your place again." He offered his hand once more, but she struck it aside, and went to the ponies' heads while he tried to forestall her, but had to catch at the side of the chaise to save himself a fall. Her anger was gone on the instant as she saw his face contract with pain, and in a moment she was by his side. "It is my turn to triumph," she said in a deep, low tone. "Richard Linnell, you must trust to the woman you despise I shall have to drive you home." He tried to master the pain, but he could not; and, with a deprecating smile, he had to confess his weakness, and accept a seat back to Saltinville, for it was impossible to walk. It was a triumph, Cora Dean saw, as she sat up proud and stately beside him; and she felt her heart glow as they reached the town, and scores of promenaders noted him seated by her side; but it was not a pleasant drive home, all the same. Volume Two, Chapter XXII. LINNELL CHANGES HIS MIND. "Getting cured then, Dick?" said Colonel Mellersh grimly, as Richard limped into the room after finding a note in his own place, which his father said had been brought by a boy.