st a chance which did not recur again for a very long time. He
replied in a jesting tone, and soon after left the house.

The company had departed. Dora had gone to her own room, leaving Mr.
Mitchel and Emily alone together.

"Emily, my Queen," said Mr. Mitchel, taking one of her hands caressingly
within both of his, as they sat upon a _tete-a-tete_ sofa, "I almost
believe that I am dreaming when I think that you love me."

"Why so, Roy?"

"Listen, little woman. I am in an odd mood to-night, and I wish very
much to talk to you. May I?"

For answer she touched him lightly, lovingly, on the face with her
disengaged hand, and bowed assent.

"Then listen while I make my confession. I am different from other men,
much as I count you different from all women. I have met many, in all
the capitals of Europe, and here in my own country. I have never been
affected by any, as I was by you. In the first instant of meeting you, I
had chosen you for my wife. When I asked for you, I had not the least
idea that you would refuse, until having spoken, I saw the bold audacity
of my words, and for half an instant the idea lived with me that I was
too presumptuous."

"You were not, my Roy. Like you I have passed lovers by, as unaffected
as by the ocean breezes. When I met you, I said to myself: 'This is my
master.'"

"God bless you, Emily. Let me continue. I have chosen you to be my wife.
As heaven is my witness, I shall never deceive you in aught. But,--and
this is the hard test which your love must endure--I may be compelled at
times to keep you in ignorance of some things. Do you think that your
love is great enough to believe that when I do so it is from love of
you, that I keep a secret from you?"

"Roy, perhaps this is conceit, but if so, still I say it. A weaker love
than mine would say to you, 'I trust you, but I love you so that you
need not hesitate to share your secrets with me.' I tell you that I
trust you implicitly. That I am content to hear your secrets or not, as
your own judgment and love for me shall decide."

"I knew that you would speak so. Had you said less I should have been
disappointed. I will tell you then at once, that there is a secret in my
life which I have shared with no one, and which I am not willing yet to
reveal to you. Are you still content?"

"Do you doubt it? Do you think that I would make an assertion only to
draw back from my boast as soon as tried?"

"No, my Queen, but it is asking much