It is impossible, with a heart disengaged as yours, to associate intimately with him and not love him." "A heart disengaged as mine! how know you that, Herbert ?" said his cousin, with a smile, which would have deceived the most penetrating eye.

"Are you not presuming too far in your inspection of my heart, seeking in rather a roundabout way, to obtain my entire confidence ?" "No, dearest Ellen, I speak and feel in this business but as Edward would, were he in my place; your happiness is as dear to me as it is to him.

We have for very many years been to each other as a brother and sister, and, believe me, in urging your acceptance of this good young man, I seek but your welfare alone." "I believe you, my dear cousin," replied Ellen, frankly holding out her hand, which Herbert warmly pressed.

"But indeed, in this instance, you are deceived.

An union with Walter Cameron would not form my happiness, worthy as he is,--suitable as the world would deem such a match in all respects; and sorry as I am to inflict pain and disappointment on the companion of my childhood, as also, I fear, on his kind mother, I cannot be his wife." "And if your affections be already engaged, far be it from me to urge you farther; but"-- "I said not that they were, Herbert," interrupted Ellen, steadily fixing, as she spoke, her large eyes unshrinkingly on her cousin's face.
Herbert felt fairly puzzled, he could not read her heart; he would have asked her confidence, he would have promised to do all in his power to forward her happiness, but there was something around her that, while it called forth his almost unconscious respect, entirely checked all farther question.