ed the point, and I now have her full
and free consent to make you my wife. Do not scorn my suit, Mona; I
cannot think of you as Ruth Richards any longer; do not curl your proud
lips and flash your glorious eyes upon me with scorn, as you did that day
at Hazeldean, for I offer you a warm and loyal heart. I know, that I am
not worthy of you," he went on, flushing and speaking humbly for once,
for he was terribly in earnest; "I have been guilty of a great many
things which I have learned to regret, since I have known you; but I can
conquer everything if you will give me your love as an incentive, and I
will be a better man in the future. I will even _work_ for you, if you so
despise the fortune which your father left and which I have expected to
inherit from my aunt. Oh, Mona, do not despise my love for you, for it is
the purest attribute of my nature, and--"

"Pray cease," Mona here interposed, for she felt unable to hear any more
of this passionate avowal, while she was greatly surprised and really
moved by the depth of feeling which he evinced. "I would be the last
one," she continued, in kind, grave tones, but with averted eyes and
trembling lips, "to despise the true affection of any man. If I said
anything to wound you that day at Hazeldean, I regret it now, although
I felt at the time that you showed some disrespect in your manner of
approaching me. But I cannot be your wife; if you make that the
condition"--and her lips curled a trifle here--"of my learning the
mystery regarding my father's desertion of my mother, and securing the
proof of their marriage; then I must forever relinquish all such hopes,
for I could never marry a man--"

"But," he interrupted, excitedly.

"Let me finish," she persisted, lifting her hand to stay his words. "No
woman should ever become the wife of a man she cannot love. I do not love
you, Mr. Hamblin, and knowing this, you would not respect me if I should
yield to your suit. Let me assure you that I honor you for some things
you said to-day--that you would be willing to work for one whom you
loved; that you would even relinquish a fortune for her sake. Believe me,
I respect you and appreciate such an avowal, and only regret that your
regard could not have been bestowed upon some one who could return such
devotion. I cannot, but, Mr. Hamblin, I feel more friendly toward you at
this moment than I have ever felt before. I beg, however," she concluded,
sadly, "that you will never address