"I am going away to-morrow—it is doubtful when I shall return, or what use I shall be to either you or him. You understand him better than I."
"I do not understand you this afternoon," said Mattie, surveying her more intently; "what have I done? Don't you," she added, as a new thought of hers seemed to give a clue to Harriet's, "think it right that I should be here!"
"If you think so, Mattie, it cannot matter what my opinion is."
"Yes—to me."
"You came hither with the hope of befriending him, as a sister might come? On your honour, with no other motive?"
"On my honour, with none other."
"Why deceive him, then?" was the quick rejoinder; "why tell him that your father gave his consent for your stay here, when he was so opposed to it?"
"He thought so from the first, and I did not undeceive him, lest he should send me away. Have you seen my father?"
"He called last night at our house. He is anxious and distressed about you."
"I am sorry."