Trouble and bitter disappointment have made me what I am.

But I have wealth which is almost inexhaustible--I have position and influence--and beside these things"-- and here I looked at her steadily, "I have an ardent desire to do justice to your admirable qualities, and to give you all you deserve.

If you think you could be happy with me, speak frankly--I cannot offer you the passionate adoration of a young man--my blood is cold and my pulse is slow--but what I CAN do, I will!" Having spoken thus, I was silent--gazing at her intently.

She paled and flushed alternately, and seemed for a moment lost in thought--then a sudden smile of triumph curved her mouth--she raised her large lovely eyes to mine, with a look of melting and wistful tenderness.

She laid her needle-work gently down, and came close up to me--her fragrant breath fell warm on my cheek--her strange gaze fascinated me, and a sort of tremor shook my nerves.
"You mean," she said, with a tender pathos in her voice--"that you are willing to marry me, but that you do not really LOVE me ?" And almost appealingly she laid her white hand on my shoulder--her musical accents were low and thrilling--she sighed faintly.