Were she free as air this moment--were she to come to my feet and say, 'Let me be your wife,' I should tell her that the whole world was before her to choose from, save myself.

She can never again be anything to me.No.I speak for her alone.

She is marrying you in all confidence.
Are you worthy of her ?" "What on earth do you mean ?" cried Frederick Massingbird.
"If there be any sin upon your conscience that ought to prevent your taking her, or any confiding girl, to your heart, as wife, reflect whether you should ignore it.

The consequences may come home later; and then what would be her position ?" "I have no sin upon my conscience, Poor John, perhaps, had plenty of it.
I do not understand you, Lionel Verner." "On your sacred word ?" "On my word, and honour, too." "Then forgive me," was the ready reply of Lionel.

And he held out his hand with frankness to Frederick Massingbird..