But he would have none of my love.

He drove me from his presence with bitter words.

I had perforce to seek others, if I were to live at all; and though he hurled taunts and harsh speeches at me oftentimes, he did not forbid me that house, albeit he scarce knew perchance how oft I was there, since he shut himself up more and more, and sometimes saw me not from one week's end to the other." "What a lone life for thee, my sister!" "Yes, it was lone, save for the comradeship of our cousins.

But that was better, far better, than what followed." Cuthbert looked quickly at her, and his eyes darkened.
"And what did follow, Petronella ?" She bent her head a little, that he might not see the expression of her face.

Her words were falteringly spoken.
"It was not many weeks since--it was when the days began to lengthen out, and the forest paths to grow decked with flowers--that some evil thoughts of suspicion came into his head, I know not how, and he dogged my steps as I wandered in the woods; and twice--nay, thrice--he came suddenly upon us as we walked together in the woodland dells." "'We?
who was with thee, sister ?" "Philip," she answered very softly, and there was something in the tender intonation with which she spoke the name that told a tale Cuthbert was not slow to read.