htly in his, then
dropping it suddenly.

"Captain Merwin," said Millicent, in turn looking grave, "the past year
I have lived in an atmosphere of treachery and revenge; the minds of
those with whom I have been associated were filled with anything but
Christian thoughts. Unkindness and ill-feeling have found a fertile soil
upon which to thrive in their hearts; but deep in my own I ever kept a
spot green, where the plant of gratitude could again grow should the
occasion offer. It did offer. The seeds were sown by a kind and generous
hand; the plant grew quickly, and to-day it blossomed in full. Deeply
grateful for what you have done for me, I beg you to accept its
flowers." And, with tears in her eyes, she held toward him a small
exquisitely selected bunch of fragrant white azalias.

Taking the blossoms tenderly he lifted them to his lips. "What a pretty
idea! Who but you would have thought of rewarding a common deed of
kindness so sweetly? I shall cherish these flowers, they are so like
you. Did you really pick them for me?"

"Yes, and selected them out of many. It was all I had. If ever I can
reward you better tell me, for I would willingly do you any favor to pay
the debt of gratitude I owe you. I assure you I feel my obligation
deeply," said Millicent, blushing.

"There is a reward you could give me now; but I scarcely dare ask it,
for I know it to be more than I deserve." And the captain gazed at
Millicent with a look that brought a bright blush to the young girl's
cheek.

"Perhaps it is not," she replied, hesitatingly. "I don't think I
understand you."

"Well, then, Millicent,--may I call you that?--the drawing-room term of
Miss does not suit our simple life here." And, as she nodded assent, he
continued, "Will you answer a question, even a hard one?"

"I will try."

"Tell me, then, if ever in the heart where the plant of gratitude grew
another far sweeter flower has grown?"

"That of friendship do you mean?"

"Yes; the plant might be called friendship, but its blossom is love. Ah,
Millicent! may I not take the fairest of these sweet flowers, and,
placing it in the centre, call it love surrounded by gratitude? Then
would my nosegay be perfect indeed."

Millicent looked, beyond the ardent gaze of the captain, into the lake,
and made no reply.

"Throwing off the language of flowers, and all language but that of
simple truth, the reward I desire above all on earth is yourself. I know
my request is a bo