"It is better so, Everard. I want to study--Heaven knows I need it! and your frequent visits would distract me. Let once a week suffice."
Sir Everard yielded to the inevitable with the best grace possible. He took his leave, raising Harriet's hand to his lips.
Harrie lingered by the window for a moment, looking wistfully after the slender figure, and slow, graceful walk.
"If he only knew!" she murmured. "If he only knew the terrible secret that struck me down that night! But I dare not tell--I dare not, even if that voice from the dead had not forbidden me. I love him so dearly--so dearly! Ah, pitiful Lord! let him never know!"