A wave of pity swept over his heart for Dorothy as he looked down into the pure, uplifted face. But it was only short-lived, for at that instant he heard Iris' silvery laughter from an adjoining room.
"I propose that we finish this interesting subject at some future time," he said, carelessly. "I have some important letters to write, and if you will excuse me for a little while, I should be very glad."
Sorrowfully Dorothy rose from the hassock and slowly quitted the room.
With lagging steps she made her way to her own room, her heart as heavy as lead in her bosom.
She had entered the library with buoyant steps and a light heart; aye, even a little snatch of song on her lips, for she had made up her mind that she would wait there until Harry came and have a good talk with him.
She had been so sure that he would take her in his arms and soothe away her fears, laughing at them in his own way as being the most ridiculous fancies which her sensitive little brain had conjured up.
And ah! how different had been the reality.
He had rudely repulsed her—and she his promised wife! Katy noticed how gloomy she was, and ran quickly to her young mistress' side.
"Oh, Miss Dorothy," she cried, "you do look so pale. Let me place you in a chair and bring you some wine."
Dorothy shook her head.