"Then, yesterday, after the work was done, Peter asked me to go to walk with him. It was so late, when he and Austin got home, that I had scarcely seen him. I was going upstairs, in the dark, and I didn't know that he was anywhere near--it frightened me when he called. So--so I slipped--and fell--all the way down. I knew, right away, that I was hurt; but, of course, I didn't guess how much. I went to walk with him just the same, because it seemed as if it--would feel good to be with Peter--he's always been so--well, I can't explain--_so square_. And while we were out, I began to feel sick--and now, of course, he'll never be willing--to take me to walk--to be seen anywhere with me again! I can't bear it! I mind--not having been square to him--more than anything else--more than half-killing mother, even! Oh, Sylvia, tell them, please, _quickly_! and have it over with--tell them, too, that it was my own fault--don't forget that part! And then take me away with you, where I won't see them--or any one else I know--and teach me to be good--even if you can't help me to forget!" * * * * * Two hours later, when Edith was sleeping again, Mrs. Gray came into the room with a mute, haggard expression on her kind, homely face which Sylvia never forgot, and put her arms around the younger woman. "Austin's askin' for you, dearie. It's been a hard day for him, too--I think you ought to go to him. I'll sit here until you come back." Sylvia nodded, and stole silently out of the room. Austin was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs, his smile of welcome changing to an expression of stern solicitude as he looked at her. "Have you been seeing ghosts? You're whiter than chalk--no wonder, shut up in that hot, dark room all day, without any rest and almost without any food! No matter if Edith does want you most, you'll have to take turns with mother after this. Come out with me where it's cool for a little while--and then you must have some supper, and a bath, and Sally's room to sleep in--if you won't go home, which is really the best place for you." She allowed him to lead her, without saying a word, to the sheltered slope of the river, and sat down under a great elm, while he flung himself down beside her, laying his head in her lap. "Sylvia--just think--less than three weeks now! It's been running through my head all day--I've almost got it down to hours, minutes, and seconds--What's the matter with Edith, anyway? Father and mother are as dumb as posts." "The matter is--oh, my darling boy--I might as well tell you at once--we can't--I've got to go away with Edith. Austin, you must wait for me--another year--" And her courage giving out completely, she threw herself into his arms, and sobbed out the tragic story. CHAPTER XIX "Sylvia, I won't give you up--_I can't!"_ "Darling, it isn't giving me up--it's only waiting a little longer for me." "Don't you think I've waited long enough already?"