'You need not leave this place, sir, for it will be relieved of my presence in one minute, and it will be long, very long, before I darken these doors again.' 'Nicholas,' cried Kate, throwing herself on her brother's shoulder, 'do not say so.

My dear brother, you will break my heart.

Mama, speak to him.

Do not mind her, Nicholas; she does not mean it, you should know her better.

Uncle, somebody, for Heaven's sake speak to him.' 'I never meant, Kate,' said Nicholas, tenderly, 'I never meant to stay among you; think better of me than to suppose it possible.