nt pit-a-pat in the most alarming
fashion.

"I think I should tell you that I am thirty-three years of age. I have
some private means, small, but sufficient, with my income and economy,
to support a wife. My father was for over a quarter of a century vicar
of Easterham."

Mary by this time had recovered herself.

"I feel very much honoured by your proposal, Mr. Dryland. And no one can
be more convinced than I of my unworthiness. But I'm afraid I must
refuse."

"I don't press for an immediate answer, Miss Clibborn. I know at first
blush it must surprise you that I should come forward with an offer so
soon after the rupture of your engagement with Captain Parsons. But if
you examine the matter closely, you will see that it is less surprising
than it seems. While you were engaged to Captain Parsons it was my duty
to stifle my feelings; but now I cannot. Indeed, I have not the right to
conceal from you that for a long time they have been of the tenderest
description."

"I feel very much flattered."

"Not at all," reassuringly answered Mr. Dryland. "I can honestly say
that you are deserving of the very highest--er--admiration and esteem.
Miss Clibborn, I have loved you in secret almost ever since I came to
the parish. The moment I saw you I felt an affinity between us. Our
tastes are so similar; we both understand Art and Literature. When you
played to me the divine melodies of Mendelssohn, when I read to you the
melodious verses of Lord Tennyson, I felt that my happiness in life
would be a union with you."

"I'm afraid I can never be unfaithful to my old love."

"Perhaps I'm a little previous?"

"No; time can make no possible difference. I'm very grateful to you."

"You have no need to be. I have always tried to do my duty, and while
you were engaged to another, I allowed not even a sigh to escape my
lips. But now I venture to think that the circumstances are altered. I
know I am not a gallant officer, I have done no doughty deeds, and the
Victoria Cross does not adorn my bosom. I am comparatively poor; but I
can offer an honest heart and a very sincere and respectful love. Oh,
Miss Clibborn, cannot you give me hope that as time wears on you will be
able to look upon my suit with favour?"

"I'm afraid my answer must be final."

"I hope to be soon appointed to a living, and I looked forward ardently
to the life of usefulness and of Christian fellowship which we might
have lived together. You are an angel of m