"Never mind," he said, patting the hands that were on his arm; "it's all right." But Elisabeth, having set out upon the descent, was prepared to climb down handsomely.

"It isn't all right; it's all wrong.

I was simply fiendish to you, and I shall never forgive myself--never." "Oh, yes; you will.

And for goodness' sake don't worry over it.

I'm glad you have found out that I wasn't quite the selfish brute that I seemed; and that's the end of the matter." "Dear me! no; it isn't.