entreating look; "but I assure you," added he, warmly, "the
indifference was not reciprocal. I have been long--very long attracted
by those shining abilities you display. Another might dwell upon your
personal attractions, and say the impression your beauty had made upon
him; but beauty is a flower,--a perishable hot-house flower. Not," added
he, hastily, "that I pretend to be insensible to its fascinations; no,
Miss Kellett, I have my weaknesses like the rest."

Sybella scarcely heard his words. It was but a day before, and a poor
unlettered peasant, an humble creature unread in life and human nature,
told her that he deemed her one fit for high and devoted enterprise,
and that her rightful place was amidst the wounded and the dying in
the Crimea. Had he construed her, then, more truly? At all events, the
career was a noble one. She did not dare to contrast it any longer with
her late life, so odious now did it seem to her, with all its schemes
for wealth, its wily plot-tings and intrigues.

"I am afraid, sir, I have been inattentive,--I fear that my thoughts
were away from what you have been saying," said she, hastily.

"Shall I just throw my ideas on paper, Miss Kellett, and wait your
answer--say to-morrow?"

"My answer to what, sir?"

"I have been presumptuous enough to make you an offer of my hand, Miss
Kellett," said he, with a half-offended dignity. "There are, of course,
a number of minor considerations--I call them minor, as they relate to
money matters--to be discussed after; for instance, with regard to these
shares--"

"It will save us both a world of trouble, sir, when I thank you deeply
for the honor you would destine me, and decline to accept it."

"I know there is a discrepancy in point of years--"

"Pray, sir, let us not continue the theme. I have given my answer, and
my only one."

"Or if it be that any meddling individual should have mentioned the
late Mrs. H.," said he, bristling up,-- "for she is the late, that I
can satisfy you upon,--I have abundant evidence to show how that woman
behaved--"

"You are confiding to me more than I have the right or wish to hear,
sir."

"Only in vindication,--only in vindication. I am aware how her atrocious
book has libelled me. It made me a perfect martyr for the season after
it came out; but it is out of print,--not a copy to be had for fifty
pounds, if it were offered."

"But really, sir--"

"And then, Miss Kellett," added he, in a sort of thril