Ravenshoe. By Henry Kingsley.

232 RAVENSHOE.
" Ellen, Ellen, don't say that. Don't take such vows, which
you will not dare to break afterwards. Think; you may regain
all that you have lost, and marry a man who loves you, - ah, so
dearly! - and whom you love too."
"Ay, there's the rub. If I did not love you, I would marry
you to-morrow. Regain all I have lost, say you? Bring my
mother to life again, for instance, or walk among other women
again as an honest one? You talk nonsense, Mr. Hornby, —
nonsense. I am going."
" Ellen! Ellen! Why do you stay in this house? Think
once again."
"I shall never leave thinking; but my determination is the
same. I tell you, as a desperate woman like me dare tell you,
that I love you far too well to ruin your prospects, and I love my
own soul too well ever to make another false step. I stayed in
this house because I loved to see you now and then, and hear
your voice; but now I shall leave it."
"See me once more, Ellen, — only once more!"
"I will see you once more. I will tear my heart once more,
if you wish it. You have deserved all I can do for you, God
knows. Come here the day after to-morrow; but come without
hope, mind. A woman who has been through what I have can
trust herself. Do you know that I am a Catholic?"
" No."
" I am. Would you turn Catholic if I were to marry you?"
God forgive poor Hornby! He said, " Yes." What will not
men say at such times?
" Did I not say you were a madman? Do you think I would
ruin you in the next world, as well as in this? Go away, sir;
and, when your children are round you, humbly bless God's
mercy for saving you, body and soul, this night."
" I shall see you again? "
"Come here the day after to-morrow; but come without hope."
She passed through the door, and left him standing alone.
Charles rose from his lair, and, coming up to him, laid his hand
on his shoulder.
"You have heard all this," said poor Hornby.
" Every word," said Charles. "I had a right to listen, you
know. She is my sister."
" Your sister? "
Then Charles told him all. Hornby had heard enough from
Lord Welter to understand it.
"Your sister! Can you help me, Horton? Surely she will
hear reason from you. Will you persuade her to listen to me?"
" No," said Charles. " She was right. You are mad. I will
not help you do an act which you would bitterly repent all your