I hope nothing,--I ask nothing; and yet if you could,--if you would trust your orphan youth to my keeping, I would guard it as the most sacred trust God ever gave to man." He paused from intense emotion, and wiped the drops of perspiration from his forehead, while I stood ready to sink with shame and sorrow.

No glow of triumph, no elation of grateful vanity warmed my heart, or exalted my pride.

I felt humbled, depressed.

Where I had been accustomed to look up with respect, I could not bear to look down in pity, it was so strange, so unexpected.

I was stunned, bewildered.