tain
Ormsby finally pronounced 'Bohun a devilish good fellow.'

'Do you know Lord Bohun?' inquired Mr. Ferrers.

'Why, no!' confessed Captain Ormsby: 'but he is a devilish intimate
friend of a devilish intimate friend of mine.'

Mr. Ferrers made a sign to Miss Ponsonby; she rose, and followed him
into the garden. 'I cannot endure the jabber of these men,' said Mr.
Ferrers.

'They are very good-natured,' said Miss Ponsonby.

'It may be so; and I have no right to criticise them. I dare say they
think me very dull. However, it appears you will have Lord Bohun here in
a short time, and then I shall be forgotten.'

'That is not a very kind speech. You would not be forgotten, even if
absent; and you have, I hope, no thought of quitting us.'

'I have remained here too long. Besides, I have no wish to play a second
part to Lord Bohun.'

'Who thinks of Lord Bohun? and why should you play a second part to
anyone? You are a little perverse, Mr. Ferrers.'

'I have been in this island ten weeks,' said Mr. Ferrers, thoughtfully.

'When we begin to count time, we are generally weary,' said Miss
Ponsonby.

'You are in error. I would willingly compound that the rest of my
existence should be as happy as the last ten weeks. They have been
very happy,' said Mr. Ferrers, musingly; 'very happy, indeed. The only
_happy_ time I ever knew. They have been so serene, and so sweet.'

'And why not remain, then?' said Miss Ponsonby, in a low voice.

'There are many reasons,' said Mr. Ferrers; and he offered his arm
to Miss Ponsonby, and they walked together, far away from the casino.
'These ten weeks have been so serene, and so sweet,' he continued, but
in a calm voice, 'because you have been my companion. My life has
taken its colour from your character. Now, listen to me, dearest Miss
Ponsonby, and be not alarmed. I love you!'

Her arm trembled in his.

'Yes, I _love_ you; and, believe me, I use that word with no common
feeling. It describes the entire devotion of my existence to your life;
and my complete sympathy with every attribute of your nature. Calm as
may be my speech, I love you with a burning heart.'

She bowed her head, and covered her face with her right hand.

'Most beauteous lady,' continued Mr. Ferrers, 'pardon me if I agitate
you; for my respect is equal to my love. I stand before you a stranger,
utterly unknown; and I am so circumstanced that it is not in my
power, even at _this_ moment, to offer any explanat