CHAPTER XV

AN OLD, UNHAPPY, FAR-OFF THING

HE next day Eric sought Kilmeny again and renewed his pleadings,

but again in vain. Nothing he could say, no argument which he could ad— vance, was of any avail against her sad determination. When he was finally com— pelled to realize that her resolution was not to be shaken, he went in his despair to Janet Gordon. Janet listened to his story with concern and disappointment plainly visible on her face. When he had finished she shook her head.

“ I’m sorry, Master. I can’t tell you how sorry I am. I had hoped for some— thing very difierent. H oped! I have prayed for it. Thomas and I are getting old and it has weighed on my mind for years — what was to become of Kilmeny

when we would be gone. Since you came 200