Year: 1875

away. His eyes we're flashing and MS counte'
nance wore fierce look. l was dreadfully
frightened, but had the presence of mind to
restrain my agitation.


"Mr. Holcombe, let me go" 1 said, in tone
of forced calmness. "This is not the conduct
of gentleman"


"You compel me to it THERE beg your
pardon" he said, dropping my hand. "Wlll
you not remain quiet and listen to me for a
moment?"


"Not if you say things you have no right to
utter"


II have right-a right to speak the truth,
and you have right to know it. l do not
care for your cousin Ellen. She has never
had nv heart. In moment of rash pique
and anger against you, first professed to be
partial to her, and then there was no escape
for me. But it is you whom I love-whom !
shall always love. Rosamond, hear me
You do not know my heart. You do not
know the depth of devotion of which it is ca:
pable-you have only seen the worst side OF
me hitherto. Only take me under your guild
ance, and you can do with me what you will.
You will learn to love me. will earn your
love by my constant, untiripg ministration to
your happiness. You shall reign supreme
over my every thought and action. You shall
mould me into any form you like. My heart,
my life, shall be at your command. Think
we'll before you reject such homage as mine J!


Astonishment and anger had nearly ia ken
away my breath, and made me at first abso-
lutely incapable of replying to this unexpect-
ed speech, poured forth, as it was, with rap
idity of utterance and vehemence of gesture,
which denoted extreme excitement and eager
ness on the part of the speaker, and left me no
doubt of his sincerity. AS soon as l could
collect my thoughts, Ianswered with the most
intense concentration of scorn in my face and
manner, which 1 could possibly muster.


"Your language, sir, is simply an insult to
me, considering the circumstances in which we
are placed. Whether you choose, or not, to
ignore your engagement, it is still binding
upon you and even did it not exist, you have
already had sufficient proof of my sentiments
toward you to make you aware that it would
be impossible for me ever to marry you. Add
to this the fact that have promised to marry
another, and nothing more is needed to place
your present conduct in the most dishonora-
BILE, per6dious and ungentlemanly light"


"You!-you have promised Rosamond,
is that true? But no-I have never even
heard hint of such thing-you are only
telling me so to frighten me Off"


Really" said I, "your politeness is exem-
plary. l am not accustomed to having my
statements disbelieved. 1t is matter of no
consequence to me, however, whether you
credit what tell you or not. In any case, it
is time for our conversation to come to an end.
Leave me now, if you please"


"Now, you are bent on exasperatlng me
Be warned-do not arouse the lurking devil
in me, or you may repent it, too late! Once
more, do you persist in your disdainful treat
ment, or will you consider what l have said to
your"


If ever man looked as if he had lurking
devil" in him, he was that man just then. l
looked hastily around for some means of es.
cape from an interview which was now be-
coming too trying for my nerves to endure:
At that instant heard the welcome sound of
wheels it was a farmers wagon coming along.
My heart bounded with relief, and l sprang
forward, exclaiming-


"Oh Mr.. Liddel, am so tired! Please
pick me up and give me ride home"