ndly!
What am I saying? I mean that from the day I first knew the truth I have
loved you with a far greater and entirely different love!"

Dolores dare not reply. How could she confess that she, too, since she
learned she was not his sister, had experienced a similar change of
feeling? Philip continued:

"You asked me if I would consent to still regard you as a sister. My
sister, no! Not, as my sister, but as my wife, if you will but consent!"

"Your wife!" exclaimed Dolores, looking up at him with eyes radiant with
joy.

Then, as if fearing he would read too much there, she hastily covered
them with her trembling hands. The next instant Philip was on his knees
before her, saying, eagerly:

"I have cherished this hope ever since the day that my father made me
acquainted with your history. I told myself that we would never part,
that I should always have by my side the loved one I had so long called
sister, the gentle girl who had restored my mother's reason, who had
cheered her life, consoled her last moments, and comforted my desolate
father in his bereavement! Dolores, do not refuse me; it would break my
heart!"

She could not believe her ears. She listened to Philip's pleading as if
in a dream, and he, alarmed by her silence, added:

"If my mother were here, she would entreat you to make me happy."

Suddenly Dolores remembered the projects which had been confided to her
by the Marquis, who had often made her his confidante--those projects in
which Philip's marriage with a rich heiress of illustrious birth played
such an important part. And yet, in the presence of the profound love
she had inspired and which she shared, she had not courage to make
Philip wretched by an immediate refusal, or to renounce the hope that
had just been aroused in her heart.

"In pity, say no more!" she exclaimed, hastily. "We are mad!"

"Why is it madness to love you?" demanded Philip.

"Listen," she replied. "I cannot answer you now. Wait a little--I must
have time to think--to consult my conscience and my heart. You also must
have time for reflection."

"I have reflected for four years."

"But I have never before thought of the new life you are offering me."

"Do you not love me?"

"As a sister loves a brother, yes; but whether the love I bear you is of
a different character I do not yet know. Go now, my dear Philip," she
added, endeavoring by calming herself to calm him; "give me time to
become accustomed to the new id