"But he is very fond of you," said Agapit, with exquisite gentleness, "and very unhappy to think that you do not care for him."
Bidiane held her breath and favored him with a sharp glance. Then she sat up very straight. "What makes you so pale?"
"I am sympathizing with that poor man."
"But you are trembling, too."
"Am I?" and with the pretence of a laugh he turned away.
"Mon cousin," she said, sweetly, "tell that poor man that I am hoping soon to leave Sleeping Water, and to go out in the world again."
"No, no, Bidiane, you must not," he said, turning restlessly on his heel, and coming back to her.
"Yes, I am. I have become very unhappy here. Every one is against me, and I am losing my health. When I came, I was intoxicated with life. I could run for hours. I was never tired. It was a delight to live. Now I feel weary, and like a consumptive. I think I shall die young. My parents did, you know."
"Yes; they were both drowned. You will pardon me, if I say that I think you have a constitution of iron."