e paused, and looked at the carpet.

'Why cannot you?' I repeated, with a degree of irascibility that roused
her to lift her eyes and look me steadily in the face.

'Because I don't like to put myself under obligations that I can never
repay--I am obliged to you already for your kindness to my son; but his
grateful affection and your own good feelings must reward you for that.'

'Nonsense!' ejaculated I.

She turned her eyes on me again, with a look of quiet, grave surprise,
that had the effect of a rebuke, whether intended for such or not.

'Then you won't take the book?' I asked, more mildly than I had yet
spoken.

'I will gladly take it, if you will let me pay for it.' I told her the
exact price, and the cost of the carriage besides, in as calm a tone as I
could command--for, in fact, I was ready to weep with disappointment and
vexation.

She produced her purse, and coolly counted out the money, but hesitated
to put it into my hand. Attentively regarding me, in a tone of soothing
softness, she observed,--'You think yourself insulted, Mr Markham--I wish
I could make you understand that--that I--'

'I do understand you, perfectly,' I said. 'You think that if you were to
accept that trifle from me now, I should presume upon it hereafter; but
you are mistaken:--if you will only oblige me by taking it, believe me, I
shall build no hopes upon it, and consider this no precedent for future
favours:--and it is nonsense to talk about putting yourself under
obligations to me when you must know that in such a case the obligation
is entirely on my side,--the favour on yours.'

'Well, then, I'll take you at your word,' she answered, with a most
angelic smile, returning the odious money to her purse--'but remember!'

'I will remember--what I have said;--but do not you punish my presumption
by withdrawing your friendship entirely from me,--or expect me to atone
for it by being more distant than before,' said I, extending my hand to
take leave, for I was too much excited to remain.

'Well, then! let us be as we were,' replied she, frankly placing her hand
in mine; and while I held it there, I had much difficulty to refrain from
pressing it to my lips;--but that would be suicidal madness: I had been
bold enough already, and this premature offering had well-nigh given the
death-blow to my hopes.

It was with an agitated, burning heart and brain that I hurried
homewards, regardless of that scorching noonday sun--forgetfu