ion, allow me to put you right
upon the point and inform you that such a thing is not only possible,
but much more probable, and of more frequent occurrence than a good many
people imagine or believe. Love is sometimes the growth of degrees: it
may also bound into existence in a moment; for there is a certain
sympathetic attraction between some persons, as there is between others
an antipathetical, repulsive force. Understand, passion is not here
alluded to. That is, of the senses. What I mean is, the essence or
spirit of love, as pure as that which may subsist amongst the angels
above.

I felt such love growing within me, as I looked at her, with her
downcast eyes bent over her Bible, or as she sat, with head upraised and
attentive ear, drinking in the words of spiritual wisdom addressed us by
our good old pastor, of which at the time _I_ took but little heed. She
did not seem at all conscious that she was being observed; although she
doubtless knew that I was looking at her, in that instinctive way common
to her sex, in which they manage to take cognisance of everything going
on around them, without so much as raising an eyelid. Indeed, she told
me afterwards that she had been well aware of my watch, and added that
she thought me "very rude, too;" but, just now, she took no notice of my
looks and longings, as far as I could see.

It was not until the close of the service, and when she and her mother
were leaving the pew, that I obtained a glance, a look, which dwelt in
my memory for days and days. She had brought with her into church a
tiny spray of mignonette, and this she left behind her on the seat close
to where she had been sitting. I perceived it, and taking it up, made
as if to restore it to its lawful owner.

A half smile faintly played across her slightly parted lips, as she
looked at me for an instant, an amused sparkle in her clear, grey eyes,
and then turned away with a polite inclination and shake of her little
head, in refusal of the mignonette, which I have kept ever since. But
that smile!

Her whole face lit up, gaining just the colour and expression which it
appeared to lack. My fate was sealed; and, as the organ pealed forth
the grand prayer from _Mose in Egitto_ for the exodus of the
congregation, and I slowly paced down the aisle after my enchantress, my
soul expanded into a very heaven of adoration and love!

CHAPTER TWO.

EXPECTATION.

"With what a leaden and retarding we