l my fine speeches seemed to have forsaken me,
and I sat there as mute and dumb as the Tower of London. Now why this
should be I know not, for this was the opportunity I had so long
awaited. At length the dear maid began to be uneasy and, as she told
me afterwards, to suspect what was the matter. Then I saw my time was
come, and if I were to say anything I should have to do it now; so I
started in recklessly, as a sailor throws himself from his sinking
ship, into those tempting waves, and, no matter how great his
confidence may be, yet he knows not if there be rocks beneath the
swells or no.

"Hazel," said I, "thou hast known me long, and I that same have you,
and ever since the day when first thou earnest to court, I have felt it
mine especial duty to watch over and protect thee, shouldst thou ever
need it. This latter you have never guessed; for what right had I to
so appoint myself your guardian?

"Until to-night my tongue would never put into words the pleasant
agonies with which my heart hath for so long been bursting. But
to-night, since I have started, I feel as though my tongue were a bell,
rung by mine uncontrollable heart strings, and, as that thumping engine
doth swing back and forth, my tongue rings out the universal notes,--_I
love thee_. For thy happiness and pleasure I would freely give my
life, and then rejoice at having served thee. I can say no more; for
my heart smothers me; so I lay it at thy feet. Do not spurn it, but
give another to fill its place, and one that will be more faithful unto
its keeper."

During this speech, which was the outburst of mine overloaded soul, the
dear one sat with her precious head bent as that of a dainty flower
before the hot blast of summer. Her hand toyed nervously with a tassel
which hung from her waist. Her bosom rose and fell so quickly that it
seemed like the ripples on the beach; and her whole frame quivered with
emotion,--and so did mine.

When I had finished she did not speak for a moment, and I began to fear
that I had frightened her with my passionate declaration. But
presently she raised her eyes to mine, and they were full of tears.
Then she laid her head upon my shoulder, and sighed and smiled, both at
once, as though her happiness had forced out her tears, and the smiles
were sent to dry them.

"There is my hand, Walter," she said, "and with it goes my heart. Take
both of them, for they belong to thee. In faith, the latter thou hast
had