“It all looked so ugly, and you were silent. We are unfortunate. My brother would never let us marry; and, besides--Oh, why did you not come before?” “I might as well say, Why did you not look out of your window? You could have done it without risking your life, as I did. Or why did you not advertise. You might have invited an explanation from 'E. S.,' under cover to so-and-so.” “Ladies never think of such things. You know that very well.” “Oh, I don't complain; but I do say that those who love should not be ready to reproach; they should put a generous construction. You might have known, and you ought to have known, that I was struggling to find you, and torn with anguish at my impotence.” “No, no. I am so young and inexperienced, and all my friends against you. It is they who have parted us.” “How can they part us, if you love me still as I love you?” “Because for the last fortnight I have not loved you, but hated you, and doubted you, and thought my only chance of happiness was to imitate your indifference: and while I was thinking so, another person has come forward; one whom I have always esteemed: and now, in my pity and despair, I have given him hopes.” She hid her burning face in her hands. “I see; you are false to me, and therefore you have suspected me of being false to you.” At that she raised her head high directly. “Edward, you are unjust. Look in my face, and you may see what I have suffered before I could bring myself to condemn you.” “What! your paleness, that dark rim under your lovely eyes--am I the cause?” “Indeed you are. But I forgive you. You are sadly pale and worn too. Oh, how unfortunate we are!” “Do not cry, dearest,” said he. “Do not despair. Be calm, and let me know the worst. I will not reproach you, though you have reproached me. I love you as no woman can love. Come, tell me.” “Then the truth is, Lord Uxmoor has renewed his attention to me.” “Ah!” “He has been here every day.” Severne groaned. “Aunt Maitland was on his side, and spoke so kindly to me, and he saved my life from a furious bull. He is brave, noble, good, and he loves me. I have committed myself. I cannot draw back with honor.” “But from me you can, because I am poor and hated, and have no title. If you are committed to him, you are engaged to me.” “I am; so now I can go neither way. If I had poison, I would take it this moment, and end all.” “For God's sake, don't talk so. I am sure you exaggerate. You cannot, in those few days, have pledged your faith to another. Let me see your finger. Ah! there's my ring on it still: bless you, my own darling Zoe--bless you;” and he covered her hand with kisses, and bedewed it with his ever-ready tears. The girl began to melt, and all power to ooze out of her, mind and body. She sighed deeply and said, “What can I do--I don't say with honor and credit, but with decency. What _can_ I do?” “Tell me, first, what you have said to him that you consider so compromising.”