"Impossible," she answered. "From what I have already shown you, you must see that it could not be. Had my life been differently situated I should have been proud--you do not know how proud--to be your wife; but, as it is, it is quite out of the question. Some day you will see that yourself, and will thank me for having prevented you from spoiling your life by a foolish marriage."
Browne saw that she was in deadly earnest. He was about to argue the question with her, but the look upon her face stopped him. For the moment he was frightened in spite of himself, and could only stammer out, "I shall never see it."
"You _must_ see it," she answered. "There is a task I have set for myself, which I must finish, come what may."
"Then, whatever it may be, I will share it with you," said Browne. "You must doubt my love, Katherine, if you refuse to let me help you."
"I do not doubt your love," she answered, "but it is quite out of the question that I could avail myself of your assistance in this matter."
"I will not believe it," he continued. "You are only saying it because you do not wish to inculpate me. But I _will_ be inculpated, come what may. Tell me what it is you have to do, and I will help you to carry it through to the best of my ability; helping you where help is needed, and counselling you where you stand in need of advice. In other words, I place myself and all I have in the world at your disposal, darling, to do with as you will."
"You are too noble," she answered; "too good and true. What other man would do as much?"
"Any man," he answered, "who loves a woman as I love you."
"There can be but few who love so well," she replied softly, for her heart was touched more than she could say; "and yet, good as you are, I cannot accept your help. You do not know what I am about to attempt."
"I do not care what it is," he answered; "it makes no sort of difference to my promise."
"But it would afterwards," she said. "Why, do you not remember that I am the daughter of a convict; that my father was sent to Siberia to live in chains to the end of his days? He remained there for many years. Afterwards he was despatched to the island of Saghalien, where he now is. News has reached us within the last few days that he is ill, and that unless he leaves the island he will not live another year."