Her face was hidden from his view, but Ralph could see that she was weeping.
'I can guess the cause of this!' thought Ralph, after looking at her for some time in silence.

'I can--I can--guess the cause.

Well! Well!' thought Ralph--for the moment quite disconcerted, as he watched the anguish of his beautiful niece.

'Where is the harm?
only a few tears; and it's an excellent lesson for her, an excellent lesson.' 'What is the matter ?' asked Ralph, drawing a chair opposite, and sitting down.
He was rather taken aback by the sudden firmness with which Kate looked up and answered him.
'The matter which brings me to you, sir,' she said, 'is one which should call the blood up into your cheeks, and make you burn to hear, as it does me to tell.

I have been wronged; my feelings have been outraged, insulted, wounded past all healing, and by your friends.' 'Friends!' cried Ralph, sternly.