And that freedom can come happily and honourably to me only when I set my foot in Catharines-town. Do you understand me, Euan?”

“Yes.”

“Then — we will not speak of love. Or even let the language of our eyes trouble each other with all we may not say and venture� . You will not kiss me, will you? Before I ask it of you?”

“No.”

“Under no provocation? Will you — even if I should ask it?”

“No.”

“I will tell you why, Euan. I have promised myself — it is odd, too, for I first thought of it the day I first laid eyes on you. I said to myself that, as God had kept me pure in spite of all —