Will you accept my hand (the heart you have already won) and give me yours in exchange?
Ah, I fear that you must think my presumption very great! I know I am asking what a king might covet.

I know that you, in your peerless beauty--so fair, so sweet, so good, so talented, so admired and sought after--are worthy of a throne, and I have not even wealth to offer you--nothing, in fact, but the love of a man whose honor is unstained, and who would cherish you as the apple of his eye.

Ah, dearest girl, I have no words to express the strength and power of the passionate affection with which you have inspired me!" All this and much more in the same strain was poured out so rapidly and ardently that Violet seemed overwhelmed by the torrent of words that had come rushing upon her so unexpectedly and without any warning.
A deep blush overspread the fair face and neck, while her work fell from her hand and her eyes sought the floor.
When at length he paused for a reply, she started up, saying confusedly, in low, tremulous tones, "I--I am far from meriting the praises you have heaped upon me, and I am very young and foolish--not fit for--for so noble and good a man--so worthy to be highly honored.

And I--oh, how could I leave my dear, widowed mother!" Then, as approaching footsteps were heard in the hall without, she turned and fled from the room.
"Ah, grandpa's little cricket, what is it?
what has disturbed you so ?" asked a well-known voice, in tones that spoke more pleasure than alarm, and Vi, as she hurried through the hall, half blinded by the tears in her eyes, felt herself closely clasped by two strong arms that held her fast.
"Oh, grandpa! I--I wish he hadn't!" she stammered, dropping her face upon his breast and bursting into tears.
"Who, my pet?
who has dared to ill use you ?" he asked, caressing her.
Vi lifted her head and looked up at him in surprise, for certainly his tone was rather amused than angry or stern.

Then at a sudden remembrance of the captain's assertion that he had sought and obtained her grandfather's permission to offer her his hand, "Oh, grandpa, why did you let him ?" she said, again hiding her blushing face on his breast; "you know I could never, never leave mamma! dear, dear mamma!" "I am glad to hear it!" he returned with satisfaction, repeating his caresses, "for I don't know what either she or I could do without you.