Is not this enough, Katharine, and must I bury myself from you a thousand miles in the forest, ignorant of what may be going on, and without any hope, such as I have lived for before?
Is the labor I have undergone--the life I have led--to have no fruits?
Will you too be the first to recommend forgetfulness; to overthrow my chance of happiness?
No--it must not be.

Hear me, Kate--hear me, and say I have not worked altogether in vain.

I have acquired some little by my toils, and can acquire more.

There is one thing now, one blessing which you may afford, and the possession of which will enable me to go with a light heart and a strong hand into any forests, winning comforts for both of us--happiness, if the world have it--and nothing to make us afraid." He spoke with deep energy, and she looked inquiringly into his face.

The expression was satisfactory, and she replied without hesitation:-- "I understand you, Mark Forrester--I understand you, but it must not be.
I must regard and live for affections besides my own.