and," pointing to the clouds, "you had better hasten
to the house. I knew you would be terrified at the
lightning all alone by yourself in that summer-
house, so I came to protect you."

"You are very good, Charles, but does it lighten?"
said Julia in terror, and hastening her retreat to the
dwelling.

"Your letter must have interested you deeply not to
have noticed the thunder--you, who are so timid
and fearful of the flashes."

"Foolishly fearful, you would say, if you were not
afraid of hurting my feelings, I know," said Julia.

"It is a natural dread, and therefore not to be
laughed at," answered Charles mildly.

"Then there is natural fear, but no natural love, Mr.
Charles; now you are finely caught," cried Julia
exultingly.

"Well, be it so. With me fear is very natural, and I
can almost persuade myself love also."

"I hope you are not a coward, Charles Weston. A
cowardly man is very despicable. I could never love
a cowardly man," said Julia, laughing.