I kissed it tenderly; then I kissed the sweet old lady's cheek and said:-- "I love you with all my heart, Aunt Dorothy." "I thank you, Malcolm," she returned.
I took my leave, and soon Madge went to her room, leaving Dorothy and Lady Crawford together.
When Madge had gone the two Dorothys, one at each end of life, spanned the long years that separated them, and became one in heart by reason of a heartache common to both.
Lady Crawford seated herself and Dorothy knelt by her chair.
"Tell me, Dorothy," said the old lady, "tell me, do you love this man so tenderly, so passionately that you cannot give him up ?" "Ah, my dear aunt," the girl responded, "words cannot tell.

You cannot know what I feel." "Alas! I know only too well, my child.

I, too, loved a man when I was your age, and none but God knows what I suffered when I was forced by my parents and the priests to give him up, and to wed one whom--God help me--I loathed." "Oh, my sweet aunt!" cried Dorothy softly, throwing her arms about the old lady's neck and kissing her cheek.

"How terribly you must have suffered!" "Yes," responded Lady Crawford, "and I am resolved you shall not endure the same fate.

I hope the man who has won your love is worthy of you.