I have not avoided a woman in whom I must always have so deep and peculiar an interest, I have been friend and almost father, and never by a whisper even, by a look, by a possible hint, have I implied any thing more." His voice trembled as he spoke.

He had no right to be silent any longer, and as he finished Mrs.Simcoe took his hand.
"Forgive me! I love her so dearly--and I too am a woman." She sank upon the sofa as she spoke, and covered her face for a little while.

The tears stole quietly down her cheeks.

Lawrence Newt stood by her sadly, for his mind was deeply perplexed.

They both remained for some time without speaking, until Mrs.Simcoe asked, "What can we do ?" Lawrence Newt shook his head doubtfully.
They were silent again.