be
successful, and which is an honourable and pleasant one, I shall the
more enjoy my rise when it comes.--Does any one else know of it?" he
asked as they went on their way.

"No one," she said. "Who should know it before you?"

"Harry will be as glad as I am," he said, remembering his friend's late
assertion.

"Yes, Harry will be very glad too," Nelly said; but Jack felt that
Harry's opinion was of comparatively little importance in her eyes. "He
is a good honest fellow is Harry, and I am sure he will be pleased, and
so I hope will everyone."

Jack felt that the present moment was not a propitious one for putting
in a word for his friend.

* * * * *

Harry Shepherd carried out his purpose. For two years he waited, and
then told his love to Nelly Hardy, one bright Sunday afternoon when they
were walking in the lane.

"No, Harry, no," she said humbly and sadly; "it can never be, do not ask
me, I am so, so sorry."

"Can it never be?" Harry asked.

"Never," the girl said; "you know yourself, Harry, it can never be. I
have seen this coming on for two years now, and it has grieved me so;
but you know, I am sure you know, why it cannot be."

"I know," the young fellow said. "I have always known that you cared for
Jack a thousand times more than for me, and it's quite natural, for he
is worth a thousand of me; but then, then--" and he hesitated.

"But then," she went on. "Jack does not love me, and you do. That is
so, Harry; but since I was a child I have loved him. I know, none
better, that he never thought of me except as a friend, that he scarcely
considered me as a girl. I have never thought that it would be
otherwise. I could hardly wish that it were. Jack will rise to be a
great man, and must marry a lady, but," she said steadfastly, "I can go
on loving him till I die."

"I have not hoped much, Nelly, but remember always, that I have always
cared for you. Since you first became Jack's friend I have cared for
you. If he had loved you I could even stand aside and be glad to see you
both happy, but I have known always that this could never be. Jack's
mind was ever so much given up to study, he is not like us, and does not
dream of a house and love till he has made his mark in the world.
Remember only that I love you as you love Jack, and shall love as
faithfully. Some day, perhaps, long hence," he added as Nelly shook her
head, "you may not think differently, but may come to se