I have spared no effort
compatible with my deep respect for your feelings, to ascertain who the
young lady was that had done me such an honor, and won from me such a
deep regard. I had not intended to tell you this," I added, "but your
truth has awakened mine, and whatever the result may be, you must see me
as I am."

"You are very kind," she replied governing with growing skill the
trembling of her voice. "The acquaintance of a girl of sixteen is not
worth so much trouble on the part of a man like yourself." And blushing
with the vague apprehension of her sex in the presence of a devotion she
rather feels than understands, she waved her trembling little hand and
paused irresolute, seemingly anxious to terminate the interview but as
yet too inexperienced to know how to manage a dismissal requiring so
much tact and judgment.

I saw, comprehended her position and hesitated. She was so young, uncle,
her prospects in life were so bright; if I left her then, in a couple of
weeks she would forget me. What was I that I should throw the shadow of
manhood's deepest emotion across the paradise of her young untrammelled
being. But the old Adam of selfishness has his say in my soul as well as
in that of my fellow-men, and forgetting myself enough to glance at her
half averted face, I could not remember myself sufficiently afterwards
to forego without a struggle, all hope of some day beholding that soft
cheek turn in confidence at my approach.

"Miss Preston," said I, "the promise of the bud atones for its folded
leaves." Then with a fervor I did not seek to disguise, "You say we
cannot be friends; would your decision be the same if this were our
first meeting?"

Again that flush of outraged feeling. "I don't know--yes I think--I fear
it would."

I strove to help her. "There is too great a difference between Bertram
Mandeville the pianist, and the daughter of Thaddeus Preston."

She turned and looked me gently in the eye, she did not need to speak.
Regret, shame, longing flashed in her steady glance.

"Do not answer," said I, "I understand; I am glad it is circumstances
that stand in the way, and not any misconception on your part as to my
motives and deep consideration for yourself. Circumstances can be
changed." And satisfied with having thus dropped into the fruitful soil
of that tender breast, the seed of a future hope, I bowed with all the
deference at my command and softly withdrew.

But not to rest. With all the ea