"Assuredly not from you."
Then he paused; and as she blushed this time, he hastened to add:
"You can help me not in a small, but in a big way, and if you grant me this help, you will save my mother, and—yes—and Catherine."
"I love Catherine," said Beatrice.
"I know it—you would like to save her."
"Certainly; but I did not know she was in peril."
"Don't whisper it, but she is. You can put things straight for her. May I talk to you? May I tell you what I mean?"
"You look very solemn, and this is a day of pleasure. Must you talk to me to-day?"
"I won't talk of anything to worry you today. But I may some time?"
"I suppose you may. At least it is difficult to reply in the negative to any one who wants my help."