_that_. He has no such thought, I am sure.'
She blushed deeply, but looked in his face. 'He treats us both alike,
besides, he is so young.'

'The mischief is not done,' said Philip, trying to resume his usual
tone; 'I only meant to speak in time. You might let your manner go too
far; you might even allow your affections to be involved without knowing
it, if you were not on your guard.'

'Never!' said Laura. 'Oh, no; I could never dream of that with Guy. I
like Guy very much; I think better of him than you do; but oh no; he
could never be my first and best; I could never care for him in _that_
way. How could you think so, Philip?'

'Laura, I cannot but look on you with what may seem over-solicitude.
Since I lost Fanny, and worse than lost Margaret, you have been my
home; my first, my most precious interest. O Laura!' and he did not even
attempt to conceal the trembling and tenderness of his voice, 'could I
bear to lose you, to see you thrown away or changed--you, dearest, best
of all?'

Laura did not turn away her head this time, but raising her beautiful
face, glowing with such a look as had never beamed there before, while
tears rose to her eyes, she said, 'Don't speak of my changing towards
you. I never could; for if there is anything to care for in me, it is
you that have taught it to me.'

If ever face plainly told another that he was her first and best,
Laura's did so now. Away went misgivings, and he looked at her in
happiness too great for speech, at least, he could not speak till he
had mastered his emotion, but his countenance was sufficient reply. Even
then, in the midst of this flood of ecstasy, came the thought, 'What
have I done?'

He had gone further than he had ever intended. It was a positive avowal
of love; and what would ensue? Cessation of intercourse with her,
endless vexations, the displeasure of her family, loss of influence,
contempt, and from Mr. Edmonstone, for the pretensions of a penniless
soldier. His joy was too great to be damped, but it was rendered
cautious. 'Laura, my own!' (what delight the words gave her,) 'you have
made me very happy. We know each other now, and trust each other for
ever.'

'O yes, yes; nothing can alter what has grown up with us.'

'It is for ever!' repeated Philip. 'But, Laura, let us be content with
our own knowledge of what we are to each other. Do not let us call in
others to see our happiness.'

Laura looked surprised, for she always considered any c