may not repent it!" The gentle heart was ruffled amid its joy by the
thought of its own unworthiness.

"Repent it! I feel that I am a saved man. You do not know how
degrading this city life is, how debasing, and yet how absorbing. Money
for ever clinks in your ear. You can think of nothing else. From the
bottom of my heart I hate it, and yet how can I draw back without
bringing grief to my dear old father? There was but one way in which I
could defy the taint, and that was by having a home influence so pure
and so high that it may brace me up against all that draws me down. I
have felt that influence already. I know that when I am talking to you
I am a better man. It is you who, must go with me through life, or I
must walk for ever alone."

"Oh, Harold, I am so happy!" Still they wandered amid the darkening
shadows, while one by one the stars peeped out in the blue black sky
above them. At last a chill night wind blew up from the east, and
brought them back to the realities of life.

"You must go in. You will be cold."

"My father will wonder where I am. Shall I say anything to him?"

"If you like, my darling. Or I will in the morning. I must tell my
mother to-night. I know how delighted she will be."

"I do hope so."

"Let me take you up the garden path. It is so dark. Your lamp is not
lit yet. There is the window. Till to-morrow, then, dearest."