I never betrayed a trust,--can you trust me with yourself ?" This was a long speech, and Charley Vernon felt pleased that it was over.

There was much in it that would have touched a heart even closed to him, and a little genuine emotion had given light to his eyes, and color to his cheek.

Amidst all the ravages of dissipation, there was something interesting in his countenance, and manly in his tone and his gesture.

But Lucretia was only sensible to one part of his confession,--her uncle consented to his suit.

This was all of which she desired to be assured, and against this she now sought to screen herself.
"Your candour, Mr.Vernon," she said, avoiding his eye, "deserves candour in me; I cannot affect to misunderstand you.