of somewhat doubtful propriety.
They did not think of danger. The cowardly desertion of the aeronaut,
as soon as he could leap to a roof in safety, precipitated their fall.

"The young victims, Lucien and Maggie Taylor, were too much frightened
to hold to their frail support. Their tragic fate has plunged an
excellent household into mourning. Bitterly my new acquaintance
lamented her folly in consenting to the excursion; but how can a man
in his senses add to her condemnation when she looks through such
eyes, and speaks with such lips? Not I, I assure you.

"Miss Dent is visiting a relative in Brooklyn, and in my character of
physician, I have been kindly received. The strangest part of it all
is the odd way that girl looked at me when she knew enough to look
rationally at anybody; and her obstinate persistence in leaving my
house before she was fit to go. And it was all I could do to induce
her to see me again. But her cousin was quite cordial, and now I may
claim to have established an easy footing at the house. But about
Evelyn Howard--don't, my dear aunt, if you have a spark of mercy,
require me to see her now."

* * * * *

A month passed by, and October, in glorious tints of autumnal beauty,
shed its light over the city. In a handsome drawing-room on Brooklyn
Heights sat Weldon Gardner and Lina Dent. The young girl wore a soft
white dress, and her figure was replete with roseate health and beauty.

The young physician was pleading strongly and earnestly, gazing into the
eloquent eyes before him as if his very life hung upon their favor.

"But I know so little of you, Dr. Gardner," was her remonstrance in
answer to his ardent suit, "true you have earned my life-long
gratitude--"

"Don't mention that, if you have any regard for me," he interrupted, in
a sort of disdain.

"Yes," she urged, "I must mention it. To you I owe my life, and perhaps,
my reason. Of course I know you in all points of family, position, and
professional success; but your own true self--how can I know that you
will secure my happiness? Is there nothing you can tell me of yourself
which will reassure me?"

And the bright, honest look of her eyes robbed her plain words all
possible sting.

"First, tell me that you love me," he argued, "let me know that it would
be sweet to you to place your happiness in my keeping. At least you can
do this. You know if you love me."