“Then how came you possessed of it,” inquired the father.

The blood came back to her face with a rush, and she bent her head so that her dark glossy curls fell over and partly concealed it.  In a moment or two she had regained her self-possession, and looking up she answered,

“Secrets like this do not always need oral or written language to make them known.  Enough, father, that I have discovered the fact that his heart is deeply imbued with a passion for one who knows well his virtues—­his pure, true heart—­his manly sense of honor; with a passion for one who has looked upon him till now as a brother, but who henceforth must regard him with a different and higher feeling.”

Kate’s voice trembled.  As she uttered the last few words, she lost control of herself, and bent forward, and hid her face upon her father’s arm.

Mr. Darlington, as might well be supposed, was taken altogether by surprise at so unexpected an announcement.  The language used by his daughter needed no interpretation.  She was the maiden beloved by his clerk.

“Kate,” said he, after a moment or two of hurried reflection, “this is a very serious matter.  Edwin is only a poor clerk, and you—­”

“And I,” said Kate, rising up, and taking the words from her father, “and I am the daughter of a man who can appreciate what is excellent in even those who are humblest in the eyes of the world.  Father, is not Edwin far superior to the artificial men who flutter around every young lady who now makes her appearance in the circle where we move?  Knowing him as you do, I am sure you will say yes.”

“But, Kate——­”

“Father, don’t let us argue this point.  Do you want Edwin to go away?” And the young girl laid her hand upon her parent, and looked him in the face with unresisting affection.

“No dear; I certainly don’t wish him to go.”

“Nor do I,” returned the maiden, as she leaned forward again, and laid her face upon his arm.  In a little while she arose, and, with her countenance turned partly away, said—­

“Tell him not to go, father——­”

And with these words she retired from the room.

On the next evening, as Edwin was sitting alone in one of the drawing-rooms, thinking on the long night of absence that awaited him, Mr. Darlington came in, accompanied by Kate.  They seated themselves near the young man, who showed some sense of embarrassment.  There was no suspense, however, for Mr. Darlington said—­

“Edwin, we none of us wish you to go away.  You know that I have urged every consideration in my power, and now I have consented to unite with Kate in renewing a request for you to remain.  Up to this time you have declined giving a satisfactory reason for your sudden resolution to leave; but a reason is due to us—­to me in particular—­and I now most earnestly conjure you to give it.”

The young man, at this became greatly agitated, but did not venture to make a reply.