Speak, then, at once; in pity to that weakness which makes me feel as if my lasting happiness or misery depends upon your answer." "And do you, Edward, do you love my poor child ?" asked the father, with a quivering lip and glistening eye, as he laid his hand, which trembled, on the young man's shoulder.
"Love her?
oh, Mr.Grahame, she has been the bright beaming star that has shone on my ocean course for many a long year.

I know not when I first began to love, but from my cousin Caroline's wedding-day the thoughts of Lilla lingered with me, and gilded many a vision of domestic peace and love, and each time I looked on her bright face, and marked her kindling spirit, heard and responded inwardly to her animated voice, I felt that she was dearer still; and when again I saw her in her sorrow, and sought with Ellen to soothe and cheer her, oh, no one can know the pain it was to restrain the absorbing wish to ask her, if indeed one day she would be mine, but that was no time to speak of love.
Besides, I knew not if I had the means to offer her a comfortable home, I knew not how long I might be spared to linger near her; but now, when of both I am assured, wherefore should I hesitate longer?
With the title of captain, that for which I have so long pined, I am at liberty to retire on half-pay, till farther orders; the adopted son and acknowledged heir to my uncle, Lord Delmont, I have now enough to offer her my hand, without one remaining scruple.

You are silent.

Oh, Mr.
Grahame, must I plead in vain ?" "And would you marry her, would you indeed take my child as your chosen bride ?" faltered Grahame, deeply moved.

"Honoured, titled as you are, my poor, portionless Lilla is no meet bride for you." "Perish honours and title too, if they could deprive me of the gentle girl I love!" exclaimed the young captain, impetuously.