ngers being
outside; and this paucity of voyagers afforded De Stancy a roomy
opportunity.

Paula saw him approach her, and there appearing in his face signs that
he would begin again on the eternal subject, she seemed to be struck
with a sense of the ludicrous.

De Stancy reddened. 'Something seems to amuse you,' he said.

'It is over,' she replied, becoming serious.

'Was it about me, and this unhappy fever in me?'

'If I speak the truth I must say it was.'

'You thought, "Here's that absurd man again, going to begin his daily
supplication."'

'Not "absurd,"' she said, with emphasis; 'because I don't think it is
absurd.'

She continued looking through the windows at the Lurlei Heights under
which they were now passing, and he remained with his eyes on her.

'May I stay here with you?' he said at last. 'I have not had a word with
you alone for four-and-twenty hours.'

'You must be cheerful, then.'

'You have said such as that before. I wish you would say "loving"
instead of "cheerful."'

'Yes, I know, I know,' she responded, with impatient perplexity. 'But
why must you think of me--me only? Is there no other woman in the world
who has the power to make you happy? I am sure there must be.'

'Perhaps there is; but I have never seen her.'

'Then look for her; and believe me when I say that you will certainly
find her.'

He shook his head.

'Captain De Stancy, I have long felt for you,' she continued, with a
frank glance into his face. 'You have deprived yourself too long of
other women's company. Why not go away for a little time? and when
you have found somebody else likely to make you happy, you can meet me
again. I will see you at your father's house, and we will enjoy all the
pleasure of easy friendship.'

'Very correct; and very cold, O best of women!'

'You are too full of exclamations and transports, I think!'

They stood in silence, Paula apparently much interested in the
manoeuvring of a raft which was passing by. 'Dear Miss Power,' he
resumed, 'before I go and join your uncle above, let me just ask, Do I
stand any chance at all yet? Is it possible you can never be more pliant
than you have been?'

'You put me out of all patience!'

'But why did you raise my hopes? You should at least pity me after doing
that.'

'Yes; it's that again! I unfortunately raised your hopes because I was
a fool--was not myself that moment. Now question me no more. As it is I
think you presume too much upon