Year: 1866

seemed frozen within me. Only
once it moved beyond my control.


One afternoon, about sunset, /
went out alone to the rocks near
the sea-shore, where l had been so
often with Walter. 1 sat for long
time looking out on the waves
which were overcast with a dull,
! leaden hue, and listening to the
moaning of the surf on the beach.
l sat motionless, with vagde sense
of relief from pain, how long 1 DO
not know. 1 was aroused by an
instructive knowledge that l was
not alone, and looking up, l saw
Walter standing by me. He was
sadder than l had ever seen him as
he sat down by me, and we talked
for long time. The moon was ri
sing, but il was soon obscured by
dark clouds. Still we sat there
L wished to tell him of my engage
ment, but knew not how to do so.
1 thought it Lest that he should
learn it from me. At last l neryed
myself flor the fearful effort.


W.alterP1 said, and my voice
sounded harsh and stern, do you
know Mr. GreyP


Certainly. He is one of the best
and most upright men in the place.
Why do you ask p


Because have promised to DO
his Wife replied. l shook like
an aspen my strength seemed 60
ing from me.


Walter only bent his head so
that l could not see his face, and
then said in low tone, after a mo.
ment's silence


q have feared this for some time,
Nellie. 1 don't blame you, but /
doubt the wisdom of your choosing
so old a man. But tell me, do you
4 love Mr.. Greyp


90, my Godp l groaned involun.
tarily. THAT question from YOU


He came and stood directly over
me, and looking at me sternly, ask
ed fiercely-


Tell me, do you love that old
manp


1 had unconsciously betrayed
myself, and l now took refuge in
anger.


/ You have no right to ask that
question: / replied quickly.


l have a right to ask it. 1 will
tell you why. 1t is because you
have deceived me, and wrung my
heart until it is almost broken: be-
cause 1 know now that my worst
fears are conlirmed-because you
are about to trample upon my heart
as well as your own, all for the sake
of an old mans gold. l have a
right to ask the question, and to
demand an answer


1 rose to my feet. 1 was angry
now, for he had spoken to me as no
one had ever done before, and 1 did
not pause to think of the provoca-
ton l had given him.


Il refuse to answer itP 1 exclaim-
ed.


you shall answer mep he broke
forth, excitedly.


This is worthy Of you,' 1 exclaim-
ed scOrnlully. You can insult me
here, where 1 have no protector.
think 1 shall make a lucky es-
cape from marrying YOU


He stood before me silently, with
his head bowed. He pointed to
the rock and motioned that 1 sho'd
sit down; but refused.


'Nellie,' he said slowly, and the
suffering in his tone pierced my
heart l ask your pardon for my
rudeness. When you were q little
child. l used to carry you in my
arms over all the rough places on
my way to the school; and even
then used to look forward to the
time when l should have the right
to carry you over the rugged road
along which we must all make our
life journey. SINCE that time l
have never had a thought that was
not for your happiness. loveyou
better than / can ever love another
better even than my life itself;
. but if it would secure your happi-
ness, l would see your love change
to a lifelong sorrow, and not MUIR
:. mur.' :. ..
God knows what demon prompt
| ed me, but answered sneeringly--


SO it would seem.'
1 saw him finch under the cruel
blow, but he continued with his
eyes fixed on the sea-
4 speak the truth. / could not
lie to you here, Nellie, with God
} overhead, and his voice speaking