"I had forgotten all about it," I answered, smiling, "What is it,
Cornelius?"
He did not reply at once, but again taking my hands in his, he looked at me so sadly, that my heart sank within me.
"Cornelius," I exclaimed, "you have not news—of—Kate?"
"No," he quickly replied, "I have sad news for you, my poor child; but
Kate is well."
"What is it then? What is it, Cornelius? Has she lost her money? Is the house burned down? What is it?"
"Nothing like this, Daisy; you would never guess—1 must tell you. God alone knows how hard I find it. Daisy, we are going to part."
My arms fell down powerless; I did not speak; I did not weep; I was stunned with the blow. An expression full of trouble and remorse passed over his face.
"What have I done?" he exclaimed in an agitated tone, "I wished to spare you until the last moment. Oh! Daisy, for God's sake do not look so."
I felt, and I dare say I looked, almost inanimate. He took me in his arms and bending over me, eagerly begged me to forgive him.
"It was to spare you, my darling," he said, "I was going to tell you last night, but I thought I would let you sleep in peace, and I kept the weary secret to myself, as I have done these three days."