"The 'yes' and 'no' meant that the Becks wouldn't have her for a daughter-in-law, and bundled her out of the house over to Holland; and you want me to believe it was for my sake she went.

God knows," he added, sadly, and shaking his head slowly, "I would willingly believe it--more willingly than I can say; but I can't, Mother Kirstine.

You are her aunt, and want of course to--" "I'm afraid it is your misfortune, Salve," she broke in severely, "not to have it in your power to believe thoroughly in any one creature upon this earth; you'll be always doubting, always listening to folks' talk.
With the thoughts you have now in your mind, you have at any rate no business any longer inside my door.

But there is one thing I'll ask of you," she said, with a look of mildly impressive earnestness in her strong, clever face.

"I know Elizabeth's nature well, and don't you attempt to approach her or try to win her as long as you have a trace of those doubts about her in your heart--it would only bring unhappiness to both of you." He looked dejected; and as he said good-bye to her, offered to take her hand.