The maiden seemed to comprehend the intimation, and with an energy and boldness that would not well describe her accustomed habit--with a hurried step, crossed the apartment to where stood the youth.

Her eye was quick and searching--her words broken, but with an impetuous flow, indicating the anxiety which, while it accounted for, sufficiently excused the abruptness of her address, she spoke:-- "Do, sir, say that he had no hand in it--that he is free from the stain of blood! Speak for him, sir, I pray you; tell me--he will not tell himself!" The old lady now sought to interpose, and to apologize for her daughter.
"Why, Kate, Katharine--forgive her, sir; Kate--Katharine, my dear--you forget.

You ask questions of the stranger without any consideration." But she spoke to an unconscious auditor; and Forrester, though still almost speechless, now interposed:-- "Let her ask, mother--let her ask--let her know it all.

He can say what I can not.

He can tell all.