t was
cherished at the bottom of my soul? No--no; believe me that love was not
to be mingled with the ordinary objects of life--it was too pure to be
profaned by the levities and follies which are all of my nature that I
have permitted myself to develope to the world. Do not imagine,
that, because I have seemed an idler with the idle--selfish with the
interested--and cold, and vain, and frivolous, with those to whom such
qualities were both a passport and a virtue; do not imagine that I have
concealed within me nothing more worthy of you and of myself; my very
love for you shews, that I am wiser and better than I have seemed. Speak
to me, Ellen--may I call you by that name--one word--one syllable! speak
to me, and tell me that you have read my heart, and that you will not
reject it!"

There came no answer from those dear lips; but their soft and tender
smile told me that I might hope. That hour I still recall and bless!
that hour was the happiest of my life.

CHAPTER LXXVII.

A thousand crowns, or else lay down your head.--2nd Part of Henry VI.

From Ellen, I hastened to the house of Sir Reginald. The hall was in all
the confusion of approaching departure. I sprang over the paraphernalia
of books and boxes which obstructed my way, and bounded up the stairs.
Glanville was, as usual, alone: his countenance was less pale than it
had been lately, and when I saw it brighten as I approached, I hoped, in
the new happiness of my heart, that he might baffle both his enemy and
his disease.

I told him all that had just occurred between Ellen and myself. "And
now," said I, as I clasped his hand, "I have a proposal to make, to
which you must accede: let me accompany you abroad; I will go with you
to whatever corner of the world you may select. We will plan together
every possible method of concealing our retreat. Upon the past I will
never speak to you. In your hours of solitude I will never disturb you
by an unwelcome and ill-timed sympathy. I will tend upon you, watch over
you, bear with you, with more than the love and tenderness of a brother.
You shall see me only when you wish it. Your loneliness shall never be
invaded. When you get better, as I presage you will, I will leave you to
come back to England, and provide for the worst, by ensuring your sister
a protector. I will then return to you alone, that your seclusion may
not be endangered by the knowledge, even of Ellen, and you shall have me
by your side till--t