’I saw, I think, the form of a man in a cloak and hat, as I believe, talking with you in whispers, Gertrude, from without.’

’The form of a man, Lily—­you’re right—­not a man, but the form of a man,’ she continued, bitterly; ’for it seems to me sometimes it can be no human fascination that has brought me under the tyranny in which I can scarce be said to breathe.’

After an interval she said—­

’It will seem incredible.  You’ve heard of Mr. Dangerfield’s proposal, and you’ve heard how I’ve received it.  Well, listen.’

‘Gertrude, dear!’ said Lily, who was growing frightened.

‘I’m going,’ interrupted Miss Chattesworth, ’to tell you my strange, if you will, but not guilty—­no, not guilty—­secret.  I’m no agent now, but simply passive in the matter.  But you must first pledge me your sacred word that neither to my father nor to yours, nor to my aunt, nor to any living being, will you ever reveal what I am about to tell you, till I have released you from your promise.’

Did ever woman refuse a secret?  Well, Lily wavered for a moment.  But then suddenly stooping down, and kissing her, she said: 

’No, Gertrude, darling—­you’ll not be vexed with me—­but you must not tell me your secret.  You have excuses such as I should not have—­you’ve been drawn into this concealment, step by step, unwillingly; but, Gertrude, darling, I must not hear it.  I could not look Aunt Becky in the face, nor the kind general, knowing that I was——­’

She tried to find a word.

‘Deceiving them, Lily,’ said Gertrude, with a moan.

‘Yes, Gertrude, darling.’  And she kissed her again.  ’And it might be to your great hurt.  But I thank you all the same from my heart for your confidence and love; and I’m gladder than you’ll ever know, Gerty, that they are still the same.’  And thus the two girls kissed silently and fervently, and poor Gertrude Chattesworth wept uncomplainingly, looking out upon the dark prospect.

‘And you’ll tell me, darling, when you’re happier, as you soon will be?’ said Lily.

’I will—­I will indeed.  I’m sometimes happier—­sometimes quite happy—­but I’m very low to-night, Lily,’ answered she.

Then Lily comforted and caressed her friend.  And I must confess she was very curious, too, and nothing but a terror of possessing a secret under such terms, withheld her from hearing Gertrude’s confession.  But on her way home she thanked Heaven for her resolution, and was quite sure that she was happier and better for it.

They were roused by Aunt Becky’s knock at the hall-door, and her voice and Dominick’s under the window.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

SHOWING HOW SOME OF THE FEUDS IN CHAPELIZOD WAXED FIERCER, AND OTHERS WERE SOLEMNLY CONDONED.