“Is anything the matter,” she said simply.
“Yes—no—yes, a great deal is the matter,” cried Capel. “There, I must speak to you.”
“Mr Capel!” she said, half in alarm.
“Forgive me if I seem impetuous,” he cried, “but I am greatly troubled in mind, and I feel as if I would give anything for the sympathy of one who would listen to my troubles, and help me with her counsel.”
“Surely you have all our sympathy, Mr Capel,” said Katrine, innocently.
“Yes, I hope so,” he cried earnestly, “but I want more than that, Katrine. You must know that I love you.”
“Mr Capel!”
“Pray do not be angry with me.”
“Is this a time or season to make such a declaration to me, Mr Capel?” said Katrine, softly.
“For some things—no, for other things—yes. I am in such sore need of help and counsel, such as could be given me by the woman who returned my love. No, no; don’t leave me. Hear me out. As soon as I heard that will read, it filled my heart with joy, for it told me that I was rich, and that these were riches which I could share with you. Then, when the discovery was made that the treasure had been stolen, it was not the wealth that I regretted, but I despaired because it seemed that you were farther from me. But listen to me. I am trying hard to discover how this large fortune has been swept away.”