"Go sir!" she repeated.

"This is unmanly!" The last sentence stung Mr.Hendrickson, and he arose quickly.

Miss Loring, who saw the effect of her words, threw up, with a woman's quick instinct, this further barrier between them-- "I marvel, sir, knowing, as you do, the sacred obligations under which I rest, that you should have dared utter language such as my ears have been compelled to hear this night! I take it as no compliment, sir." The young man attempted to speak; but with a sternness of manner that sent a chill to his heart, she motioned him to be silent, and went on-- "Let this, sir, be the last time you venture to repeat what I cannot but regard as dis"-- Dishonorable was the word on her lips, but she suddenly checked herself.

She could not say that to him.
Waking or sleeping, alone or in society, for weeks, months and years afterwards, the image of that young man's despairing face, as she saw it then, was ever before her.
"Insult! Dishonor!" he said, as if speaking to himself.

"I could die for her--but not that!--not that!" And without a parting glance or a parting word, Paul Hendrickson turned from the woman who was destined to influence his whole life, and left her alone in his bewilderment and wretchedness.