be satisfied without a stronger affirmation. This moment is the great
crisis of my life and happiness. I love you beyond all the power of
language or expression. You tremble, dear Miss Folliard, and you weep;
let me wipe those precious tears away. Oh, would to God that you loved
me!"

He caught her hand--it was not withdrawn--he pressed it as he had done
the evening before. The pressure was returned--his voice melted into
tenderness that was contagious and irresistible: "Say, dearest Helen,
star of my life and of my fate, oh, only say that I am not indifferent
to you."

They were both standing near the chimney-piece as he spoke--"only say,"
he repeated, "that I am not indifferent to you."

"Well, then," she replied, "you are not indifferent to me."

"One admission more, my dearest life, and I am happy forever. You love
me? say it, dearest, say it--or, stay, whisper it, whisper it--you love
me!"

"I do," she whispered in a burst of tears.




CHAPTER IV.--His Rival makes his Appearance, and its Consequences

--A Sapient Project for our Hero's Conversion