"Yes," said the banker, quietly, "I forgive you, Tregenna." "My words," continued the latter, "were as false and cruel as they were undeserved, and I cannot reproach myself enough for my mad folly. Can I apologise more humbly, Penwynn?" he added, with a sad smile. "You acknowledge, then, that I did my best for you?" said Mr Penwynn. "I do," cried Tregenna, eagerly; "and I believe that you acted in all sincerity. Penwynn, you and I must not quarrel. As to Rhoda--Miss Penwynn--if I am not to have her love, let me enjoy her friendship and esteem." Mr Penwynn looked at the speaker coldly and searchingly for a few moments, but he could see nothing to indicate that the man before him was not perfectly sincere, and ready to say and do any thing in reparation of the past outbreak. "You don't believe me, Penwynn," cried Tregenna, bitterly. "For heaven's sake, have a little feeling for a man. Here am I thrown in an instant from a state of hope that I might realise my fondest wishes into a state of utter, abject despair. I am not an angel, man, that I can bear such a disappointment unmoved." Mr Penwynn still continued his scrutiny. "It is a bitter--a cruel overthrow," continued Tregenna, "and a few moments back I feel as if I must have been mad--I was mad. I could have said and done any thing. Even how I can hardly keep calm. Have some pity on me." "My dear Tregenna," said the banker, laying his hand upon the other's shoulder, "I do indeed sympathise with you in your disappointment, but I want you to believe that I have been perfectly straightforward and honourable." "Yes, yes," cried Tregenna, excitedly, "I do believe it." "You know what Rhoda--Miss Penwynn--is. I ask you, is she like an ordinary weak girl?" "No, you are right. She is not," said Tregenna, mournfully. "If she were, I should not worship her as I do." "She has a will of her own," continued the banker, "and she can be very firm. At your request I tried to soften her determination--asked her for time, asked her to let you continue your visits as a friend, and renew your proposal six months hence; but it was in vain, and I know her too well not to see that if you continue to press your suit you will not only lose all chance of her intimacy, but excite her dislike." "Did she say that?" asked Tregenna, with glittering eyes. "Well, well, not exactly." "But she said that if I pressed my suit she should dislike me." "Oh, no!--not so explicit as that. I think not. I--" "Speak out plainly, Penwynn," said Tregenna, sharply. "Don't play with me." "Well, it was something of that sort; but she was greatly excited, for I had pressed her home." Tregenna was silent, and turned away his face, which was slightly convulsed. But he soon mastered his emotion, and at the end of a minute turned back to face Mr Penwynn.