"For your sake I am bound to interpose, Jemmy," she said. "You will for ever repent it, if you make a false step now. What is life without honour?"
"Heed her not!" exclaimed Monica. "Listen to me! Till now I never knew how dear you are to me. I cannot—will not part with you."
Both Mrs. Butler and Father Jerome heard what was passing, but did not deem it necessary to interfere—leaving the task to Constance.
"Take him hence!" said Constance, in a low tone to Atherton. "She may shake his determination. Ere long she will recover her energies, and think quite differently."
After bidding adieu to Mrs. Butler and the priest, Atherton tried to lead Jemmy gently away. But Monica still clung to him.
"Come with me," said Atherton. "I want to say a few words to you in private."
"Say what you have to tell him here," observed Monica.
"This is mere childishness, Monica," observed Constance. "Let him go with his friend."
Monica offered no further resistance, and the two young men quitted the room together.
No sooner were they gone than Monica flew towards Mrs. Butler, and throwing herself at her feet, exclaimed: