Now, may I ask a favour, sir ?' She spoke with an ineffable charm, which, whenever he thought of it, made him curse his loss of her as long as he lived.
'To any extent.' 'Please do not put this question to me any more.

Friends as long as you like, but lovers and married never.' 'I never will,' said Darton.

'Not if I live a hundred years.' And he never did.

That he had worn out his welcome in her heart was only too plain.
When his step-children had grown up, and were placed out in life, all communication between Darton and the Hall family ceased.

It was only by chance that, years after, he learnt that Sally, notwithstanding the solicitations her attractions drew down upon her, had refused several offers of marriage, and steadily adhered to her purpose of leading a single life May 1884.
THE DISTRACTED PREACHER.