"I told him when I got home, and I have never seen him since." For some seconds St.George did not move.

He had turned from her and sat with his head resting on his hand, his eyes intent on the smouldering fire: he dare not trust himself to speak; wide ranges opened before him; the light had strengthened until it was blinding.

Kate sat motionless, her hands in her lap, her eyes searching St.George's face for some indication of the effect of her news.

Then finding him still silent and absorbed in his thoughts, she went on: "There was nothing else to do, Uncle George.

I had done all I could to please my father and one or two of my friends.