t fairly startled Ellen, and, in the
moment of bewilderment, she made no reply. He continued:

"Do not consider me selfish--at least do not condemn me for my selfishness.
If you have ever loved, you know what almost omnipotent power that passion
has over the mind and heart. For long years I have loved you in secret,
with a burning, consuming intensity of feeling, which defies all efforts to
describe. I cannot tell you all the joy or agony love has awakened in my
bosom; I can only say, that you have it now in your power to render me
supremely happy, or abjectly miserable. If you will cast yourself on my
love, I will save you from your plotting foe, and devote my life to your
service, and to make you happy. If I had any other means of saving you, I
would not propose this one, but I have not. Just now I have not time to
explain all that I would like to make clear, and must ask you, for the
present, to take my word; for at any moment, even now, your malignant foe
may come upon us, and then all is lost. Can you accept the alternative?"

"I--I thank you, but I cannot."

"You say, in view of all the facts, this is your unalterable decision, from
which I may not hope to persuade you?"

"It is. For all or any kind intentions and wishes you may have had or still
entertain for me, please accept my sincere thanks; but do not attempt to
change my purpose, for it is fixed, and I would save us both the pain of
repeating it."

"Then farewell, and God protect you!"

"Amen!"

This one word was said in such a fervent, and, at the same time, confident
manner, the stranger paused a moment as he was turning away; for a short
time he seemed engaged in deep thought, which had the effect of totally
changing his former, and apparently predetermined course of action. Turning
again to Ellen, who saw his hesitancy of action, he said:

"You rely, then, in God?"

"I do, most assuredly."

"And you have a hope that He will deliver you from the sad situation in
which you are now placed?"

"I humbly trust He will shield and protect me from harm."

"Perhaps that confidence induces your present course of action?"

"Doubtless it does, in part."

"Well, let me tell you that angels nor devils can save you!"

"I have no wish to be saved by the devils."

"I wonder you can be at all merry in your situation."

"I begin to be less apprehensive than I was."

"Indeed! and why, pray?"

"To be plain, an explanation will not be very flattering to