`` It 's pretty rough on a fellow , '' said another voice -- Ned 's voice -- in a choked sort of a way . `` Upon my word , Edith , I do n't see how I 'm going to keep it up . '' `` You must , '' sobbed Edith . `` It would break her heart -- and Sidney 's too . We must just make up our minds to forget each other , Ned , and you must marry Katherine . '' Just at this point Katherine became aware that she was eavesdropping and she went away noiselessly . She did not look in the least like a person who has received a mortal blow , and she had forgotten her headache altogether . When Edith came up half an hour later , she found the worn-out invalid sitting up and reading a novel . `` How is your headache , dear ? '' she asked , carefully keeping her face turned away from Katherine . `` Oh , it 's all gone , '' said Miss Rangely cheerfully . `` Why did n't you come down then ? Ned was here . '' `` Well , Ede , I did go down , but I thought I was n't particularly wanted , so I came back . '' Edith faced her friend in dismay , forgetful of swollen lids and tear-stained cheeks . `` Katherine ! '' `` Do n't look so conscience stricken , my dear child . There is no harm done . '' `` You heard -- '' `` Some surprising speeches . So you and Ned have gone and fallen in love with one another ? ''
`` Oh , Katherine , '' sobbed XXXXX , `` we -- we -- could n't help it -- but it 's all over .
Ede Edith Katherine Ned Rangely Sidney choked eavesdropping novel speeches