essional plans, which I certainly
am not so intensely and monstrously selfish as to permit you to make. I
am so well aware of the reasons that necessitate your remaining in
America, in order to secure the appointment you are laboring to obtain,
that I refuse the sugar plum if bought with your disappointment."

"Selfishness not established; you must plead on some better ground.
Suppose that the happiness of the woman who has done me the honor to
promise me her hand, is just now my supreme aim, paramount to every
other ambitious scheme; and that to insure it, I hazard all else?
Remember the privilege of choice is mine."

It was the instinct not of affection, but of honor straining hard to
hold him to his allegiance, and her proud spirit thrilled under the
consciousness of his motive in striving to spare her. A crimson spot
burned on each cheek, a spark kindled in the soft, tender eyes. She
struggled to free herself, but his clasp tightened.

"Conceding the generosity that would impel you to immolate your
feelings, in order to gratify my willies, I decline the sacrifice. You
must indulge my desire to receive my sugar plum in the bonbonniere of
the 'Cleopatra'."

He pressed her sunny head against his shoulder, and rested his cheek on
hers.

"Is it my Leo's wish to leave me, to go alone?"

"Yes, to accompany Alma."

"For an absence of indefinite duration?"

"Certainly for a year; possibly longer; but you must be gracious in
yielding. If you really desire to promote my happiness, let me go
feeling that you consent freely."

He comprehended fully all that he was surrendering, the noble, pure,
devoted heart; the refining, elevating companionship, the control of a
liberal fortune, the proud distinction of calling her his wife; and yet
above the refrain of many mingled regrets, he felt an infinite relief
that he had been spared the responsibility of the estrangement.

"Whatever your happiness demands, I cannot refuse to concede, but you
can scarcely require me to receive 'graciously' the only construction I
can possibly place upon your request; that I am no longer an essential
element in your happiness."

Knowing that he owed her every possible reparation, he was resolved to
shield her womanly pride from any additional wounds. He withdrew his
encircling arm, released her hand, walked to the end of the aviary, and
stood watching the shimmer of the fountain, where two of the ring-doves
held their wings aslant to c