for in it there was a wistfulness I could not comprehend. She
suffered me to take her hand, however, and to lead her unresisting
to the weather rail.

"What is it you have to say?" she asked me in her turn. "What is
it that you - think?"

Her voice fell as though she must have the truth.

"That we have all a very good chance," said I heartily.

"Is that all ?" cried Eva, and my heart sank at her eager manner.

She seemed at once disappointed and relieved. Could it be possible
she dreaded a declaration which she had foreseen all along? My evil
first experience rose up to warn me. No, I would not speak now; it
was no time. If she loved me, it might make her love me less;
better to trust to God to spare us both.

"Yes, it is all," I said doggedly.

She drew a little nearer, hesitating. It was as though her
disappointment had gained on her relief.

"Do you know what I thought you were going to say?"

"No, indeed."

"Dare I tell you?"