He was not, could not be deceived in the belief that Caroline accepted, nay, demanded, encouraged his attention.
Invariably kind, almost fascinating in her manner, she had ever singled him out from the midst of many much gayer and more attractive young men.
She had given him somewhat more to love each time they parted; and what could this mean, but that she cared for him more than for others?
Again and again St.Eval pondered on the encouragement he could not doubt but that he received; again and again demanded of himself if he were not playing with her feelings thus to defer his proposals.

Surely she loved him.

The sanction of her parents had heightened his hopes, and love and confidence in the truth, the purity of his beloved one obtained so much ascendancy over his heart, that when the important words were said, he had almost ceased to fear.

How bitter, how agonizing then must have been his disappointment when he was refused--when sudden haughtiness beamed on Caroline's noble brow, and coldness spread over every feature.

And yet, could he doubt it?
No; triumph was glittering in her sparkling eye; in vain he looked for sympathy in his disappointment, if love were denied him.