When you have left me, I shall remember what I most wished to say but forgot." "No, John," she continued seriously, "my father has been cruel to me, and I try to make myself think I do not love him; but I fail, for I do love him." Tears were welling up in her eyes and stifling her voice.

In a moment she continued: "It would kill him, John, were I to go with you now.

I _will_ go with you soon,--I give you my solemn promise to that--but I cannot go now,--not now.

I cannot leave him and the others.

With all his cruelty to me, I love him, John, next to you.