Martin at length said-- "Have I aught to hope, Mary ?" "You know, Mr.Martin," she replied, in a voice that slightly trembled, "that I have duties to perform beyond myself.

However much my feelings may be interested, these cannot be set aside.

Under present circumstances, my hand is not my own to give." "But, your duties will become mine, Mary; and most gladly will I assume them.

Only give me your hand, and in return I will give you a home for all you love, and you can do for them just as your heart desires.

Will you now be mine ?" "If my mother object not," she said, bursting into tears.
Of course, the mother had no objection to urge, and in a few weeks they were married.