thing more! There is not one single other
sensation within her. Her pulses have not quickened, ever so little, as
she read her lover's letter; her heart has not throbbed, even once, with
a sweeter, purer delight--such as she has read and heard that other women
have felt.

"I suppose I have no heart," said Vera to herself; "it must be that I am
cold by nature. I am happy; but--but--I wonder what it feels like--this
_love_--that there is so much talked and written about?"

And then Marion came in breathlessly.

"Oh, Vera, what is it?"

Vera turns round to her, smiling serenely, and places the note in her
hands.

This is what Sir John Kynaston has written:--

"Dear Miss Nevill,--I do not think what I am about to say will be
altogether unexpected by you. You must have surely guessed how sincere
an affection I have learnt to feel for you. I know that I am unworthy
of you, and I am conscious of how vast a disparity there is between
my age and your own youth and beauty. But if my great love and devotion
can in any way bridge over the gap that lies between us, believe me,
that if you will consent to be my wife, my whole life shall be devoted
to making you happy. If you can give me an answer to-day, I shall be
very grateful, as suspense is hard to bear. But pray do not decide
against me in haste, and without giving me every chance in your power.

"Yours devotedly,
"John Kynaston."

"Oh! Vera, my darling sister, I am so glad!" cries Marion, in tearful
delight, throwing her arms up round the neck of the young sister, who is
so much taller than she is; "I had guessed it, dearest; I saw he was in
love with you; and oh, Vera, I shall have you always near me!"

"Yes, that will be nice," assents Vera, quietly, and a trifle absently,
stroking her sister's cheek, with her eyes still fixed on the fire; "and
of course," rousing herself with an effort, "of course I am a very lucky
woman."

And then Mr. Daintree came in, and his wife rushed to him rapturously to
impart the joyful news. There was a little pleasant confusion of broken
words and explanations between the three, and then Marion whisked away,
brimming over with triumphant delight to wave the flags of victory
exultingly in her mother-in-law's face.

Eustace Daintree and Vera were alone. He took her hands within his, and
looked steadfastly in her face.

"Vera, are you sure of yourself, my dear, in this matter?"

Her eyes met his for a moment