request, as he has passed
over my proposal--he studiously confines himself to the shortest
possible statement of bare facts. Use your common-sense, Valeria. Isn't
this rudeness rather remarkable on the part of a man who is a gentleman
by birth and breeding, and who is also a friend of mine?'"

Eustace stopped me there.

"Did you answer your uncle's question?" he asked.

"No," I replied. "I only said that I did not understand the major's
conduct."

"And what did your uncle say next? If you love me, Valeria, tell me the
truth."

"He used very strong language, Eustace. He is an old man; you must not
be offended with him."

"I am not offended. What did he say?"

"He said, 'Mark my words! There is something under the surface in
connection with Mr. Woodville, or with his family, to which Major
Fitz-David is not at liberty to allude. Properly interpreted, Valeria,
that letter is a warning. Show it to Mr. Woodville, and tell him (if you
like) what I have just told you--'"

Eustace stopped me again.

"You are sure your uncle said those words?" he asked, scanning my face
attentively in the moonlight.

"Quite sure. But I don't say what my uncle says. Pray don't think that!"

He suddenly pressed me to his bosom, and fixed his eyes on mine. His
look frightened me.

"Good-by, Valeria!" he said. "Try and think kindly of me, my darling,
when you are married to some happier man."

He attempted to leave me. I clung to him in an agony of terror that
shook me from head to foot.

"What do you mean?" I asked, as soon as I could speak. "I am yours
and yours only. What have I said, what have I done, to deserve those
dreadful words?"

"We must part, my angel," he answered, sadly. "The fault is none of
yours; the misfortune is all mine. My Valeria! how can you marry a man
who is an object of suspicion to your nearest and dearest friends?
I have led a dreary life. I have never found in any other woman the
sympathy with me, the sweet comfort and companionship, that I find
in you. Oh, it is hard to lose you! it is hard to go back again to my
unfriended life! I must make the sacrifice, love, for your sake. I
know no more why that letter is what it is than you do. Will your
uncle believe me? will your friends believe me? One last kiss, Valeria!
Forgive me for having loved you--passionately, devotedly loved you.
Forgive me--and let me go!"

I held him desperately, recklessly. His eyes, put me beside myself; his
words filled me