gave a little choking gasp.

"Do you mean that you--that you are--in love--with _me_?"

The amazement in her tone, the incredulity of that "me" was touching in
its humility, and Gervase's smile was very tender as he replied--

"I think I am. I am, at least, travelling very fast in that direction.
Does that alarm you so very much? Does it distress you? Have you no
feeling of friendship to offer me in return?"

"Friendship! Oh yes, but not,"--Nan gulped over the word in wild
embarrassment--"the other thing! It's too soon. I have just left the
schoolroom--I have just put up my hair. I couldn't think of such a
thing for years and years, until I am old, and have got some sense!"

Gervase laughed softly.

"You have more sense now than any girl I know; but don't be frightened,
dear, I am not asking for my answer yet. You must have time, but I
wanted you to know from the beginning what my feelings were. As you
grow older and go into society, and meet other men, I want you to
remember that there is one man who has already given his heart to your
keeping, and is waiting in the hope that yours may be given to him in
return. You are not bound-to me in any way. If you meet some one whom
you can care for more than for me, I will wish you God-speed; but until
that day comes I will wait in hope. I will not trouble you by referring
to the subject again at present; for a year to come I will promise not
to allude to it, but by that time you will be twenty, and will have had
twelve whole months to think me over. You will not forbid me to speak
to you again next July, Nan?"

"N-no!" sighed Nan dubiously, "I suppose not. You are very kind, but I
am--frightened. Suppose I said `Yes,' and then changed my mind like
Lilias! That would be dreadful, yet how can one be sure? I like you
very much, better than any other man, but still--"

"You must never say `Yes' unless you have no doubt in your heart. No
amount of liking will do. If the day ever comes when you feel that your
whole heart goes out to me, as mine does to you, when you would choose
poverty with me rather than riches with another man, then come to me,
darling, but never till then. You and I are not the sort to be
satisfied with a half-and-half happiness, and we will not risk failure.
I want to make your life beautiful, not to wreck it!"

The tears rose slowly in Nan's eyes, and her lips trembled.

"You are very good to me; but I feel as if I must be a hypoc