How dear those two sweet peaceful years have cost me!
Would I undo it all to save myself these pangs? No. Then I suppose to
bear is to conquer one's fate."
CHAPTER XV.
CROSS PURPOSES.
The first ten days at Castleford would have been dull indeed to
Katherine but for the society of Cis and Charlie in the mornings, and
the interest she took in watching Errington (who was of course a
frequent visitor) in the evenings.
Though she avoided conversing with him as much as possible, he was a
constant study to her. He was different from all the men she had
previously met. She often wondered if anything could disturb him or
hurry him. Had he ever climbed trees and torn his clothes, or thrashed
an adversary? Had he any weaknesses, or vivid joys, or passionate
longings? Yet he did not seem a prig. His manner, though dignified, was
easy and natural; his eyes, though steady and penetrating, were kindly;
his bearing had the repose of strength. It was too awful to contemplate
what his estimate of herself would be if he knew; but then he must
_never_ know!
As it was, he seemed inclined to be friendly and communicative, pleased
when he met her strolling in the garden with Lady Alice, and gratified
to find that she could accompany his _fiancee's_ songs.
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