to then," said Dora, with such exquisite simplicity, that the young
man laughed outright, and said,--

"But you don't know that you sha'n't, do you, darling Dorelle?"

"I didn't say so."

"No; but--Well, I won't insist; only I shall put down the date. Let
me see: Aug. 24, isn't it?"

He took out his note-book, wrote a few words, and, glancing at Dora
with a suppressed smile, put it away again. Then, more seriously, he
took her hand, saying,--

"Only remember one thing, Dora; and that is, whatever may come in
the future, this house is your home as long as it is ours; and,
while I live, there is always some one who loves you best of all
God's creatures."






CHAPTER XXI.

GIOVANNI'S ROOM.