This was too plain to be denied, and seeing my dejection at it, she told me bravely that we must hope for better times, if possible, and asked how long I would wait for her.
'Not a day if I had my will,' I answered very warmly; at which she turned away confused, and would not look at me for awhile; 'but all my life,' I went on to say, 'if my fortune is so ill.

And how long would you wait for me, Lorna ?' 'Till I could get you,' she answered slyly, with a smile which was brighter to me than the brightest wit could be.

'And now,' she continued, 'you bound me, John, with a very beautiful ring to you, and when I dare not wear it, I carry it always on my heart.

But I will bind you to me, you dearest, with the very poorest and plainest thing that ever you set eyes on.

I could give you fifty fairer ones, but they would not be honest; and I love you for your honesty, and nothing else of course, John; so don't you be conceited.