into my features and study my form and carriage, or you may be
disappointed with your bargain, and complain that you have not got
your money's worth. Remember, too, that an accident, an illness, and
at the best the passage of a few years, may quite spoil my value as a
beautiful woman, and reflect, before I take you at your word."

Philip had sat or rather crouched himself down upon the log of a tree
that lay outside the summer-house, and covered his face with his hand,
as though her loveliness was more than he could bear to look upon.
Now, however, he raised his eyes and let them dwell upon her scornful
features.

"I had rather," he said slowly--"I had rather lose my life than lose
you; I love you so that I would buy you at the price even of my
honour. When will you marry me?"

"What, have you made up your mind so quickly? Are you sure? Then,"--
and here she changed her whole tone and bearing, and passionately
stretched out her arms towards him,--"my dearest Philip, my life, my
love, I will marry you when you will."

"To-morrow?"

"To-morrow, if you like!"

"You must promise me something first."

"What is it?"

"That you will keep the marriage a complete secret, and bear another