Kilmeny of the Orchard

mischief done in that direction already. Then when you went away she might break her heart—for she is one of those who feel things deeply. She has been happy enough. I know folks condemn us for the way she has been brought up, but they don’t know everything. It was the best way for her, all things considered. And we don’t want her made unhappy, Master.”

“ But I love your niece and I want to marry her if I can win her love,” said Eric steadily.

He surprised them out of their self pos- session at last. Both started, and looked at him as if they could not believe the evi- dence of their ears.

“ Marry her! Marry Kilmeny! ” ex- claimed Thomas Gordon ineredulously. “ You can’t mean it, sir. Why, she is dumb—Kilmeny is dumb.”

“ That makes no diflr'erence in my love for her, although I deeply regret it for her own sake,” answered Eric. “ I can only

166