Kilmeny of the Orchard

“ I told her I could not help her. I did -not say anything to her of my theory— that would have done no good.”

“ How did she take it? ”

“ Very bravely and quietly—‘ like a Winsome lady.’ But the look in her eyes —Eric, I felt as if I had murdered some- thing. She bade me a mute good—bye with a pitiful smile and went upstairs. I did not see her again, although I stayed to dinner at her uncle’s request. Those old Gordons are a queer pair. I liked them, though. They are strong and staunch—— good friends, bitter enemies. They were sorry that I could not help Kilmeny, but I saw plainly that old Thomas Gordon thought that I had been meddling with predestination in attempting it.”

Eric smiled mechanically.

“ I must go up and see Kilmeny. You’ll excuse me, won’t you, David? My books are there—help yourself.”

But when Eric reached the Gordon house he saw only old Janet, who told him

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