Caroline, adorable Caroline!" he continued, with well-practised passion, "only speak, command me; in what way can I relieve the grief in which I see you plunged?
Give me at least the gratification of feeling I have been of service to you; that I have done somewhat for your happiness, though by you mine has fled for ever." Rapidly yet eloquently had he spoken, and Caroline vainly struggled with herself to interrupt him.

He believed she had rejected him, and in that moment she contrasted his present conduct with that of Lord St.
Eval, under the same circumstances, and surely she could doubt no longer which loved her best.

She had not seen the secret agony of the one--his proud and noble heart concealed it; but Alphingham--when such devoted love was offered her, would she condemn it to misery, and herself to everlasting reproach, if not to equal woe?
"You are mistaken, my lord," she said, proudly, after a severe struggle with herself.

"Lay not to my charge the loss of your happiness.

I was not aware till this instant that it depended--" She stopped abruptly, for the natural modesty of her disposition prevented more, indignant as she was at the confirmation of Annie's suspicions.
Lord Alphingham saw his advantage, and pursued it.
"How!" he exclaimed, in an accent of astonishment and ecstasy well combined.