I told him of my new situation, and how I had got it. He listened with evident interest.
"I was not self-deceived," he said, "when I first took a fancy to you in the shop. I admire your independent feeling; it's the right kind of courage in a girl like you. But you must let me do something more for you--some little service to remember me by when the end has come. What shall it be?""Try to get better, sir; and let me write to you now and then," Ianswered. "Indeed, indeed, I want nothing more.""You will accept a little present, at least?" With those words he took from the breast-pocket of his dressing-gown an enameled cross attached to a gold chain. "Think of me sometimes," he said, as he put the chain round my neck. He drew me to him gently, and kissed my forehead. It was too much for me. "Don't cry, my dear,"he said; "don't remind me of another sad young face--"Once more he stopped; once more he was thinking of the lost wife.
I pulled down my veil, and ran out of the room.
IV.
THE next day I was on my way to the north. My narrative brightens again--but let us not forget Sir Gervase Damian.
I ask permission to introduce some persons of distinction:--Mrs.
