"My dear fellow, who am I that I should flatter myself so far?
If she were one of those ordinary women to whom marriage is the be-all and end-all of existence, it would be different--but she is not.
Her thoughts are like those of a child or a poet,--why should I trouble them by the selfishness of my passion?
for all passion _is_ selfish, even at its best.

Why should I venture to break the calm friendship she may have for me, by telling her of a love which might prove unwelcome!" Lorimer looked at him with gentle amusement depicted in his face.
"Phil, you are less conceited than I thought you were," he said, with a light laugh, "or else you are blind--blind as a bat, old man! Take my advice,--don't lose any more time about it.

Make the 'king's daughter of Norroway' happy,.

.

." and a brief sigh escaped him.