nts, whether they are or not, I know
that a woman in my position cannot well expect a young man in yours to
venture without encouragement. Now, Alexander, I have long perceived
your feelings and your wishes, and I have only to say that mine are
such as yours" (oh, I wish they were, thought I), "and therefore you
have but to ask and to have."

I was mute with fear and despair, and could not find a reply to make
to her.

"Why do you not answer, Alexander? Do you think me too forward?"

"No," stammered I; "you are very kind, but this is so unexpected--so
unlooked for--so unhoped for--I am so overcome."

Observe, Madam, how strangely the sexes were changed. I was the woman
in this instance.

"I should like to consult my friends."

"Consult your fiddlesticks," replied she, quickly. "Who have you got
to consult? I hope, Alexander," said she, setting her broad teeth
together, "that you are not trifling with me?"

"Indeed, I never should think of trifling with you, mistress," replied
I. "I feel much obliged to you for showing such a preference for me."

"I think, Alexander, that you ought; so now then, if you please, give
me your answer," replied she.

"Had I been prepared for your kindness, I would have done so at once,
but I have many serious questions to put to myself, and if you please,
we will renew the subject to-morrow morning. I will then tell you
candidly how I am situated; and if after that you do not withdraw your
proposal, I shall be most happy to be yours as soon as we can go to
James Town to be married."

"If," replied she, "you mean to insinuate, Alexander, that you have a
wife in England, that is of no consequence in this settlement; for
those who live here are free from all English marriages; and as for
going to James Town, that is quite unnecessary. If the people in the
settlement were to wait for a parson when they married, they would
never be married at all. All that is necessary is, that we shall draw
up an agreement of marriage, on paper, sign it, and have it witnessed.
However, as I perceive that you are flurried, I will wait till
to-morrow morning for your decision."

My mistress then rose from her stool, and went into her chamber,
shutting to the door with more emphasis than was at all agreeable to
my nerves. I walked out into the open air to recover myself, and to
reflect upon what course I should take in this awkward and dangerous
dilemma. Marrying was out of the question--but how to avo