CHAPTER XXV.
'These things happened last winter, sir,' said Mrs.Dean; 'hardly more than a year ago.

Last winter, I did not think, at another twelve months' end, I should be amusing a stranger to the family with relating them! Yet, who knows how long you'll be a stranger?
You're too young to rest always contented, living by yourself; and I some way fancy no one could see Catherine Linton and not love her.

You smile; but why do you look so lively and interested when I talk about her?
and why have you asked me to hang her picture over your fireplace?
and why-- ?' 'Stop, my good friend!' I cried.

'It may be very possible that _I_ should love her; but would she love me?
I doubt it too much to venture my tranquillity by running into temptation: and then my home is not here.
I'm of the busy world, and to its arms I must return.

Go on.