ace. You did not seem like a stranger, for I had been waiting
for you all my life. Oh, Una, these few weeks have been like a dream of
happiness. I never knew what it was to live before. You are so--"

I haven't the heart to repeat all the praises the poor fellow lavished
upon me while I sat listening in an agony of shame, feeling more and
more miserable every moment, as I realised that, in spite of his
agitation, he was by no means despondent as to the result of his wooing.
He seemed more anxious to assure me of his devotion than to question me
about mine, as if he imagined that my coldness was caused by pique or
jealousy. I drew away my hands, and tried to stop him by vague murmurs
of dissent, but it was no use, he only became more eager and determined.

"We all love you, Una. My mother thinks you the most charming girl she
has ever met. She was speaking of you to me only last night; she feels
naturally a little sad, poor mother! to know that she is no longer the
first consideration to her boy, but she quite understands. And the
pater, too--he is in love with you himself. Who could help it,
darling?"

"Oh, stop, stop! I can't bear it. You must not talk like that," I
cried desperately. "You are taking everything for granted, and it is
impossible, quite impossible. I don't want to marry anyone. I'm too
young. I must wait for years before I can even think of such a thing."

He looked actually relieved, instead of disappointed, as my words
evidently removed one big difficulty from his path.

"I couldn't ask you to marry me yet, dearest. I have my way to make,
and could not provide a home that would be worthy of you for some years
to come; but as you say, we are both young, and can afford to wait; and
oh, Una, I could work like ten men with such a prospect to inspire me.
I will get on for your sake; it is in me, I know it is--I shall
succeed!"

"I hope you may, I'm sure," I said, nearly crying with agitation and
misery. "But you must not think of me. I have nothing to do with it.
I like you very much, but I couldn't marry you now or ever--I never
thought of such a thing--it's quite impossible. You must, please,
please, never speak of it again!"

Even then he wouldn't understand, but preferred to think that I was shy,
nervous, coy--anything rather than simply and absolutely truthful. He
began again in a humble, pleading voice, which tore my heart.

"I know it seems presumption to ask so much. I a