than ten years--your senior, that is a difference on the right side. I
have fought the battle of life, and have conquered, and am strong enough
to protect and shelter the woman I love. Come, Marian, I am waiting for a
word of hope."

"And do you really love me?" she asked wonderingly. "It seems so strange
after so short a time."

"I loved you from that first evening in the church, my dear."

"I am very grateful to you," she said slowly, "and I am proud--I have
reason to be proud--of your preference. But I have known you such a short
time. I am afraid to give you any promise."

"Afraid of me, or of yourself, Marian?"

"Of myself."

"In what way?"

"I am only a foolish frivolous girl. You offer me so much more than I
deserve in offering me your love like this. I scarcely know if I have a
heart to give to any one. I know that I have never loved anybody except
my one friend and protector my dear adopted uncle."

"But you do not say that you cannot love me, Marian. Perhaps I have
spoken too soon, after all. It seems to me that I have known you for a
lifetime; but that is only a lover's fancy. I seem almost a stranger to
you, perhaps?"