efully, and pledge you my faith in return,
while I do not need to assure you that I will not spare myself in
striving to win a name and a position worthy to offer my heart's queen.
You have changed the whole world for me," he continued, with emotion. "I
am no longer alone, and you have armed me with a zeal and courage, to
battle with the future, such as I should never have known under other
circumstances. My darling, I take your promise with your love, and when
the right time comes I shall claim my wife."

He drew her to his breast again, and lifting her sweet face to his, he
touched her lips with a fond and reverent betrothal kiss.

"Humph! Pray, Miss Violet, allow me to inquire how long you have been
posing for this interesting tableau?"

This question, in the gruff, sarcastic tones of Wilhelm Mencke, burst
upon the lovers like an unexpected thunderclap, and, starting to her
feet, Violet turned to find her sister's husband standing not six feet
from her.

Mrs. Mencke seemed rooted just inside the doorway, apparently too
paralyzed by the scene which she had just witnessed to utter a word,
while there was an indescribable expression of anger and disgust upon
her handsome face.

For a moment Violet was so astonished and confused she could not utter a
word; then, with that slight uplifting of her fair head which those who
knew her best understood to indicate a gathering of all the force of her
will, she quietly remarked, though a burning flush mounted to her brow:

"Ah, Wilhelm! I thought you and Belle had gone out for the evening."

"No doubt; and you had planned to enjoy yourself in your own way, it
seems," sneered the angry master of the house, as he glared savagely at
Wallace, who now arose and advanced to Violet's side.

"Stop, if you please, Wilhelm," the young girl said, as he seemed about
to go on, and her clear tones rang out warningly. "When you went out I
had no thought of receiving visitors; but of that I will speak with you
later. Allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Richardson. Mr. Richardson,
my brother-in-law, Mr. Mencke; my sister you have already met."

Wallace bowed courteously, while he marveled at Violet's remarkable
self-possession; but neither Mr. Mencke nor his wife acknowledged the
introduction otherwise than by bestowing a malignant look upon him, and
this slight aroused all Violet's spirit to arms.

"Friend!" repeated Mr. Mencke; "one would naturally judge from the
touching scene just