“Dear,” she said, “I shall always remember what you have done for me to-day. When you came in, I thought my heart was broken—but your tenderness stole over me like a charm—and now you see I can talk quite sensibly, and smile, just like my own self again. You must bid me good-bye, dear. I must go soon. But what I want to tell you is this. Think kindly of me—ah, don't you cry, child—there has been enough of tears to-day—think of me, dear, as a sister-woman, who stepped aside once out of the beaten track and for whom fate has been too much. And, Felicia dear, when I am gone—it will take very, very little to make Raine love you—”
“Ah, no!” cried Felicia passionately.
But Katherine smiled her sad, self-controlled smile.
“All, yes! He cannot help loving you—and so God give you happiness.”
“I can't bear you to go like this. I can't bear it!” cried Felicia.
“We all have to work out our destiny,” said Katherine. “Now good-bye, dear—God bless you.”
A few moments later, Katherine was alone again, finishing her preparations for departure.