ual
or superior fortunes. If now you were to engage yourself to me, your
grandfather would disinherit you. I love you too well," she murmured
very low, "to ruin your fortunes. You must not bind yourself to me just
now, Thurston."

And this loving, frank and generous creature was the woman, he thought,
whose good name he would have periled in a clandestine courtship in
preference to losing his inheritance by an open betrothal. A stab of
compunction pierced his bosom; he felt that he loved her more than ever,
but passion was stronger than affection, stronger than conscience,
stronger than anything in nature, except pride and ambition. He
lightened his clasp about her waist--he bent and whispered:

"Beloved Marian, is it to bind me only that you hesitate?"

"Only that," she answered, softly.

"Now hear me, Marian. I swear before Heaven, and in thy sight--that--as
I have never loved woman before you--that--as I love you only of all
women--I will be faithful to you while I live upon this earth! as your
husband, if you will accept me; as your exclusive lover, whether you
will or not! I hold myself pledged to you as long as we both shall live!
There, Marian! I am bound to you as tight as vows can bind! I am pledged
to you whether you accept my pledge or not. You cannot even release, for
I am pledged to Heaven as well. There, Marian, you see I am bound, while
you only are free. Come! be generous! You have said that you loved me!
Pledge yourself to me in like manner. We are both young, dear Marian,
and we can wait. Only let me have your promise to be my wife--only let
me have that blessed assurance for the future, and I can endure the
present. Speak, dear Marian."

"Your grandfather--"

"He has no grudge against you, personally, sweet girl; he knows nothing,
suspects nothing of my preferences--how should he? No, dearest girl--his
notion that I must have a moneyed bride is the merest whim of dotage; we
must forgive the whims of ninety-five. That great age also augurs for us
a short engagement and a speedy union!"

"Oh! never let us dream of that! It would be sinful, and draw down upon
us the displeasure of Heaven. Long may the old man yet live to prepare
for a better life."

"Amen; so be it; God forbid that I should grudge the aged patriarch his
few remaining days upon earth--days, too, upon which his soul's immortal
welfare may depend," said Thurston. "But, dearest girl, it is more
difficult to get a reply from you tha