But he must not pay things for her till,--till--.

Then she again looked up into his face and smiled.

"You are not angry with me ?" she said.
"Kate,--I want to ask you a particular question." "What question ?" "You must not suppose, let the answer be what it may, that it can make any difference between you and me." "Oh,--I hope not," she replied trembling.
"It shall make none," he answered with all a master's assurance and authority.

"Therefore you need not be afraid to answer me.

Tidings have reached me on a matter as to which I ought to be informed." "What matter?
Oh Fred, you do so frighten me.