THE EDITOR'S STORY. 155 



Margaret went from the room. I did not see 

 her again that evening, and I had to wake 

 Mrs. Brady to wish her good-night. 



Next morning I called on Mrs. Brady. I 

 was resolved, at least, to tell as straightforward 

 a story as I could, and if she determined to 

 keep me to my word, why, at the worst I 

 should have to do so. She looked very grave 

 when I met her. She heard me out with a cold 

 politeness, and then asked me how soon I could 

 complete my arrangements for leaving Castle- 

 town. There was a hard, cold, inexorable tone 

 in her voice, and a contempt in it that stung 

 me to the quick. I was ready to leave at once, 

 but 



"You have broken your promise, Mr; 

 Staunton ; I permitted your visits here, trust- 

 ing to it. The sooner we part the better. I 

 think I can manage to reconcile my daughter 

 to the loss she will sustain by your departure." 



" Can I see her before I leave ?" 



" Certainly not." And the old lady opened 

 the library door with a gesture that, taken 

 with her white set face, was not encouraging 

 to me. 



