through the ways
of life, in maiden meditation fancy free, pausing beside the brook to
pluck the flowers which grow on its bank, and thinking of nothing but
the simple girlish things which pertain to maidenhood. Then suddenly a
shadow falls across her path. It is the shadow of the Man, and the love
which shall raise her to heaven or drag her down to the nethermost hell.
A glance, a word, and her fate is decided; before her stretch the long
years of joy or misery.

And, alas! she has no choice! Love is lord of all, of our lives, of our
fate, and none can say him nay. No one of us can elect to love a little
wisely, or unwisely and too well.

But there was no doubt, no misgiving, in Nell's mind that night. She had
given herself to this man who had fallen at her feet in Shorne Mills,
and she had given herself fully and unreservedly. His very presence was
a joy to her. It was a subtle delight to reach out her hand and touch
him, though with the tips of her fingers. The gates of paradise had
opened and she had entered in.

How short the hour seemed during which they had sailed toward the jetty!
She breathed a sigh, which Drake echoed.

"Let me lift you out," he pleaded. "I want to feel you in my arms--once
more to-night!"

She surrendered herself, and, for a moment, her head sank on his
shoulder.

They walked up the hill almost in silence; but every now and then his
hand sought hers, and not in vain.

She looked up at the starlit sky in a kind of wondering amazement. Was
it she?--was it he?--were they really betrothed? Did he really love her?
Oh, how wonderful--wonderful it was! And they said there was no real
happiness in this world.

She could have laughed with the scorn of her full, complete joy!

They entered The Cottage side by side, and were met by Dick, with
half-serious indignation.

"Well, upon my word, for a clear case of desertion, I never----Why
didn't you wait for me? I've got a couple of gulls, and----What's the
matter with you, Nell? You look as if you'd found a threepenny piece."

"Just in time for supper," simpered Mrs. Lorton.

Drake took Nell's hand and led her into the light of the lamp, which
illumined the night and perfumed the day.

"I've brought Nell back, Mrs. Lorton," he said, with the shyness of the
newly engaged man, "and--and she has promised to be my wife."

CHAPTER XIV.

Drake's announcement was received with amazed silence for a moment; then
Dick flung up his piece