those crystal tears betray the existence of a kindred love for me?
Nothing but love, unalloyed and pure, love for yourself, ever
brought me to Melrose. May I go away with the assurance that my love
is returned, and bearing in my heart the hope to come again some
day, and claim you as my wife? May I?"

The tears still flowed from the pure fountain of Lizzie's innocent,
tender heart, and her head bowed as gently as a lily in the gale,
but she answered firmly, sweetly, truly, "Yes, I love you too, and I
promise, with God's blessing, one day to become your wife."

"Wipe away those tears then, and let me see, in the depth of your
innocent eyes, that your promise is solemn and unchanging."

"As my soul is undying, I am in earnest; and as Heaven is true, I
shall be faithful to your love. Never doubt me. Here, take these
innocent flowers, modest children of the wild-wood-these violets, as
a pledge of my unfeigned love;" and unclasping the golden brooch,
she let the delicate flowers fall into the open hand of her lover.

Gathering up the offerings of affection, George Marshall clasped the
slender hand that gave them, and imprinting a fervent kiss upon it,
said, "God bless you, my darling, and take this as the seal of my
benediction."

When the tri-weekly coach rolled out of Melrose on that charming
autumn day, and passed the schoolhouse of the maiden, the sigh she
cast after it was not without hope, and the one the lover wafted
back breathed a promise to come again some day, not far off, and
take her away from that school-room forever.