rose-lined sun-shade.

"Well, Lionel," she said, at length, with downcast eyes, "there is
something I have been thinking about for a long time back, and if you
are going away very soon, and perhaps for a considerable while, I ought
to tell you. It may be a relief to you as well as to me; indeed, I think
it will; if I had imagined what I have to say would vex you in any way,
you may be sure I wouldn't come at such a time as this. But to be
frank--that engagement--do you think we entered upon it with any kind of
wisdom, or with any fair prospect of happiness? Now if I trouble you or
hurt your feelings in any way, you can stop me with a single word," she
interposed, and she ventured to look up a little and to address
him more directly. "The truth is, I was flattered by such a
proposal--naturally--and rather lost my head, perhaps, when I ought to
have asked myself what was the true state of our feelings towards each
other. Of course, it was I who was in the wrong; I ought to have
considered. And I must say you have behaved most honorably throughout;
you never showed the least sign of a wish to break the engagement, even
when we had our little quarrels, and you may have received some
provocation. But after all, Lionel, I think you must admit that our
relations have not been quite--quite--what you might expect between two
people looking forward to spending their lives together."

She paused here--perhaps to give him an opportunity of signifying his
assent. But he refused to do that. He uttered not a word. It was for her
to say what was in her mind--if she wished to be released.

"I am quite sure that even now, even after what I have just told you,"
she continued, "you would be willing to keep your word. But--but would
it be wise? Just think. Esteem and regard and respect there would always
be between us, I hope; but--but is that enough? Of course you may tell
me that as you are willing to fulfil your part of the engagement, so I
should be on my side; and I don't say that I am not; if you challenged
me and could convince me that your happiness depended on it, you would
see whether I would draw back. But you have heard me so far without a
word of protest. I have not wounded you. Perhaps you will be as glad to
be free as I shall be--I don't mean glad, Lionel," she hastily put in,
"except in the sense of being free from an obligation that might prove
disastrous to both of us. Now, Lionel, what do you say? You see I have
been qu