Shall you go ?" she asked.
"No; I shall not go," I replied.
"Will you come here at three o'clock ?" "Yes," I said, wondering what she meant; but I had not time to ask her, for two young men came into the room.
I went to my room and tried to think, but I could not.

My mind refused to work.

I watched the party ride away--it was comparatively small now, for several had returned to their homes--and then I found my way to the library.
I sat for a while in silence, scarcely conscious of my surroundings; and then I wondered how long Miss Forrest would be before she came, and what she would tell me.

The clock on the mantelpiece began to strike three; it had not finished when she entered the room.
I placed a chair for her beside my own, which she accepted without a word.
For a minute neither of us spoke; then she said abruptly, "You told me you loved me when we rode out together the other day." "I did," I said, "and I do love you with all the intensity that a human heart is capable of loving; but it is hopeless now." "Why ?" "You have promised to marry another man." "What do you know of this ?" Both of us were very excited.

We were moved to talk in an unconventional strain.
"Mr.Temple told me of your interview together last night." A slight flush came to her face.