“The world and I have parted forever, Una.”
“But shall I never see you again?”
“Yes, yes, we shall meet now and again.”
“I trust, Miss Rolfe, that we shall wean your father from his long seclusion. You must be the magnet to draw him from his retreat into the busy haunts of men.”
“You will come and see me?” she murmured.
“Yes, Una. Go where you will,” and he glanced over her head at Stephen, “you may feel that I am watching over you, as I have always watched and guarded you. If any harm comes to you——”
“Harm?” she breathed, and looked up into his face with questioning gaze.
“Come, Mr. Rolfe, you mustn’t alarm your daughter,” said Stephen, softly. “She will think that the world is filled with lions and wolves seeking whom they may devour. I think you may feel safe from any harm under my mother’s protection, Miss Rolfe.”
“Yes. I have never had a daughter. If you come you shall be one to me.”
“You think me ungrateful?” said Una to her, in her simple, frank way.