`` Yes , my dear , completely . Do not let yourself be unhappy over this . Remember that I will always be your friend . Goodbye . '' He held out his hand and gave mine an earnest clasp . Then he went away . I remained in the drawing-room , partly because I wanted to finish out my cry , and partly because , miserable coward that I was , I did n't dare face Alicia . Finally she came in , her face wreathed with anticipatory smiles . But when her eyes fell on my forlorn , crumpled self she fairly jumped . `` Katherine , what is the matter ? '' she asked sharply . `` Did n't Mr. Sinclair -- '' `` Yes , he did , '' I said desperately . `` And I 've refused him . There now , Alicia ! '' Then I waited for the storm to burst . It did n't all at once . The shock was too great , and at first quite paralyzed my half-sister . `` Katherine , '' she gasped , `` are you crazy ? Have you lost your senses ? '' `` No , I 've just come to them .
It 's true enough , XXXXX .
Alicia Katherine Sinclair clasp eyes first hand shock smiles storm