I
deserve. Most likely, my fancies would never have been fulfilled. She
will save me from my own foolishness. What ought a man to wish for
more than a person sure to make him good? And--well, after all, it
cannot be for a long time. They must write to Lima. Perhaps they will
wait till her father's return, or at least till I have taken my degree.'

This last encouraging reflection always wound up the series that
perpetually recurred throughout that night of broken sleep; and when he
rose in the morning, he felt as if each waking had added a year to his
life, and looked at the glass to see whether he had not grown quite
elderly.

'No, indeed! I am ridiculously youthful, especially since I shaved off
my moustache in my rage at the Yeomanry mania! I must systematically
burn my cheeks, to look anything near her age!' And he laughed at
himself, but ended with a long-drawn sigh.

He was in no state of mind to pause: he was tired of self-debate, and
was in haste to render the step irrevocable, and then fit himself to
it; and he betook himself at once to the study, where he astonished his
father by his commencement, with crimson cheeks--'I wished to speak to
you. Last night I did not catch your meaning at once.'

'We will say no more about it,' was the kind answer. 'If you cannot
turn your thoughts in that direction, there is an end of the matter.'

'I think,' said Louis, 'that I could.'

'My dear boy,' said the Earl, with more eagerness than he could quite
control, 'you must not imagine that I wish to influence your
inclinations unduly; but I must confess that what I have seen for the
last few months, has convinced me that nothing could better secure your
happiness.'

'I believe so,' said Louis, gazing from the window.

'Right,' cried the Earl, with more gladness and warmth than his son had
ever seen in him; 'I am delighted that you appreciate such sterling
excellence! Yes, Louis,' and his voice grew thick, 'there is nothing
else to trust to.'

'I know it,' said Louis. 'She is very good. She made me very happy
when I was ill.'

'You have seen her under the most favourable circumstances. It is the
only sort of acquaintance to be relied on. You have consulted your own
happiness far more than if you had allowed yourself to be attracted by
mere showy gifts.'

'I am sure she will do me a great deal of good,' said Louis, still
keeping his eyes fixed on the evergreens.

'You could have done nothing to