You are very good to come, ma'am;" and then he stopped to remember what it was he had wished to say.
Miss Ruth was awed into silence, and there was a growing anxiety in Gifford's face.
"Ah--yes"-- Mr.Denner began again, with a flash of strength in his tone, "I wished to ask you if you would accept--accept"-- he reached towards the little table, but he could not find the leather case until Gifford put it into his hand--"if you would be so good as to accept this; and will you open it, if you please, Miss Ruth ?" She did so, with trembling fingers.

It was a daguerreotype of Mr.Denner; the high neckcloth and the short-waisted, brass-buttoned coat and waistcoat showed its age, as well as the dimness of the glass and the fresh boyish face of the young man of thirty.
"What--what was I speaking of, Gifford ?" said Mr.Denner.
"You gave my aunt Ruth the picture, sir." "Oh, yes, just so, just so.

I merely wished to add that I desired to present it to Miss Deborah's sister,--though it is of no value, not the least value; but I should be honored by its acceptance.

And perhaps you will be good enough to--to convey the assurance of my esteem to Miss Deborah.

And Gifford--my friend Gifford is to give her the miniature of my little sister." "Yes," said Miss Ruth, who was crying softly.
"Not that I have--have changed my mind," said Mr.Denner, "but it is not improper, I am sure, that Miss Deborah's sister should give me--if she will be so good--her hand, that I may say good-by ?" Miss Ruth did not quite understand, until Gifford motioned to her to lay her little hand in that feeble one which was groping blindly towards her.
Mr.Denner's eyes were very dim.
"I--I am very happy," he murmured.