I was ushered into Miss Pimpernell's parlour; but _she_ was not there.

Somebody else was, though; for, who should get up from the dear old lady's seat in the fireside corner--where she always sat, winter and summer alike--but, my darling! The surprise was almost too much for me, it was so unexpected.

I thought it was her ghost at first.
"Min!" I exclaimed.
"Oh, Frank!"-- she said, coming forwards eagerly--"and could you have the heart to go away without my seeing you again ?" I drew back.
"Min,"-- said I,--"do not come near me! You do not know what has occurred; how I have sinned; how unworthy I am even to speak to you!" She would not be denied, however.

She came nearer me, and took my hand.
"But, you have repented, Frank,"-- she said--"have you not ?" "Oh, my darling!"-- I said,--"I _have_ repented; but that will not bring back the past.

I can never hope to be forgiven, I know.