terrified and curious
expression.

"Now listen to me; I have something to say to you which is of more
importance to us both than these wise, loving conjectures of yours. Take
my arm, and let us get into the Park."

We were near one of the inclosures of the Regent's Park; and when we
reached a more secluded place, I resumed:

"First of all, I should like to have your own unbiased opinion about
your friends with whom you are residing. Have you observed any change in
their manner toward you?"

"Change? None whatever."

"Do you think--I mean from any thing you have yourself noticed--that
they have watched our actions or been inquisitive in our affairs?"

She looked inquiringly at me, and hesitated.

"I think it would be impossible to be much with them and escape their
_persiflage_, let us act as we might. But beyond that sort of idle
criticism which they deal out indiscriminately to every body, I have
observed nothing. Why do you ask?"

"Because I have reason to believe that my attentions to you have
attracted more observation than either of us suspected; and that, in
fact, they have made such remarks on us as no longer leaves our future
course at our own time or option."

"You have reason to believe this?"

"The best possible reason."

"Who is your authority?"

"Will you not accept my own authority, without seeking further?"

"No. It is not a time to hold back from any false delicacy to me, or any
mistaken respect for the confidence of others. Beware of such
confidences, if there be any. They are not meant for your peace or mine,
but to plunge us both into an abyss in which we shall be left to perish.
I must know all. I am entitled to know it. If your love be a hundredth
part as strong and devoted, and as prepared for sacrifice as mine, you
will place a full and entire trust in me."

"And I do. You shall know all; but I must exact a solemn promise from
you, before I tell you how, and in what manner, this information was
communicated to me. It is impossible for me to foresee how it may affect
or wound your feelings; and it is due to me, if I yield to your request
against my own judgment, that you should pledge yourself, be the
consequences what they may, to give me a public right to protect you
against the further malignity--I can not call it by any milder term--of
your enemies and mine."

She was deeply affected by this request, which was spoken in so low and
tremulous a voice, so burdened with a painf