The press of New York had been full of gossip concerning his "eccentricities" since the event which had put my life in danger.

One of the society journals had printed a highly colored version of that little episode at the house of the Paddingtons, and had concluded its article by saying that the fair Miss Paddington had fallen madly in love with her father's strange guest.
That night, as we were sitting by the grate fire in our own rooms, Rayel, encouraged by our seclusion, began to emerge from the silence to which he had seemingly gone back for refuge in time of trouble.
"We shall soon be ready to start for England," I said.
"I do not wish to go to England, Kendric," said he.

"For a long time I have thought over it.

Let me go back to the old house and live by my father's grave, until the good Lord takes me to a better home.

I would miss you, dear Kendric, and every day I would look for you to come, but I shall be happier there." His words touched me deeply, and I was not prepared to answer him with perfect calmness, although I had lately suspected that his despondency would lead to this resolve.
"Why must we separate now, after we have become so dear to each other ?" I asked.