At last, however, he made a gallant and a desperate effort.
"Miss Smithers," he said in a voice trembling with agitation.
"Yes, Mr.Tombey," answered Augusta, quietly; "what is it ?" "Miss Smithers," he went on--"Miss Augusta, I don't know what you will think of me, but I must tell you, I can't keep it any longer, I love you!" Augusta fairly jumped.

Mr.Tombey had been very, even markedly, polite, and she, not being a fool, had seen that he admired her; but she had never expected this, and the suddenness with which the shot was fired was somewhat bewildering.
"Why, Mr.Tombey," she said in a surprised voice, "you have only known me for a little more than a fortnight." "I fell in love with you when I had only known you for an hour," he answered with evident sincerity.

"Please listen to me.

I know I am not worthy of you! But I do love you so very dearly, and I would make you a good husband; indeed I would, I am well off; though, of course that is nothing; and if you don't like New Zealand, I would give it up and go to live in England.

Do you think that you can take me?
If you only knew how dearly I love you, I am sure you would." Augusta collected her wits as well as she could.