h seemed by
its close pressure to let me go with regret. I found it was all bloody.

"Stop, Charles, let me wipe it with my handkerchief, lest it stain your
shirt."

She did so, and folding it up and placing it in her bosom, said--

"I shall keep this precious relic as a memorial of the sacrifice I have
made to you, my loved boy. Ah! Charlie, you cannot yet understand the
value of that sacrifice and the risk of ruin I have run for your sake.
I love you as I never loved anyone before, or can ever love again. My
honour and happiness are now in your hands, and it is on your
discretion they rest. Be careful never to exhibit any liberty of
conduct towards me or to mention to anyone what has occurred."

It may readily be imagined I gave her every assurance on that head, and
told her I loved her too dearly, and was too grateful for the extatic
happiness she had taught me how to enjoy, for any chance of betrayal to
take place through my indiscretion. She embraced me tenderly, told me
to go straight to the garden, that she must seek some repose after all
that had happened, and we should meet again at midday meal.

I did as desired, full of sweet thoughts at the exquisite delights she
had afforded me, and already longing for the afternoon school hour to
renew the enrapturing union of our souls and bodies. Miss Evelyn did
not come down to her luncheon, but had something sent up to her room.
However, she joined me in the school-room at two o'clock, as usual. She
was very pale, but embraced me tenderly, and was very endearing. Of
course, I immediately became excited, and very enterprising, but she
gently repulsed me, and requested that I would leave her quiet that
day, as she felt not only exhausted, but in pain, and would be all the
better for perfect repose. I begged hard to be allowed some slight
favours, if not all, but she was inexorable. Finding that I could
neither do any lessons nor be quiet, she said--

"Then we must go into the garden, I think the fresh air and a gentle
walk will do me good."

It instantly occurred to me that if I could draw her away to the summer
house, I should have a better chance of succeeding in again enjoying
her delicious embraces. Accordingly, when she went up to her room to
put on her bonnet and shawl, I possessed myself of the key, to be
prepared for my chance of success.

We walked about the flower garden for a time, Miss Evelyn taking my
arm, and most lovingly conversing with me. She w