"
"But you have another name. I am called Catherine, but I am also
Bertram. What are you besides Josephine?"
"Ah, that's trenching into the darkness where you wouldn't like to find
yourself. That's light for me, but dark ruin for you. Don't ask me what
my other name is."
"Listen," said Catherine, suddenly, "you want to see my mother?"
"Yes, I certainly want to see her."
"Listen again. I am absolutely determined that you shall not see her."
"But I have a message for her."
"You shall not see her. My mother is not well. I stand between my mother
and trouble. I know you are going to bring her trouble; and you shall
not see her."
"How can you prevent me?"
"In this way. My mother is away from home. I will take care that she
does not return until you have left this place. I am determined."
"Is that true?" asked the girl. "Is she really away from home?"
"Am I likely to tell you a lie? My mother is from home."
The strange girl had been sitting on the grass. Now she rose, pushed
back her thick hair, and fixed her eyes on Catherine. Catherine again
noticed the singular brightness, the half-wild light in her eyes.
Suddenly it was quenched by great tears. They splashed down on her
cheeks, and made clean channels where the dust had lain.
"I am deadly tired," she said, with a half moan.
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