"God bless you, Daisy," he said, and turned away. The gate closed on him; he slowly descended the path. I did not call him back, but sitting down on the bench, I hid my face in my hands and wept bitterly. I felt and felt truly that we had parted to meet no more; that my faithful companion and friend was lost to me, and the pleasant tie of my childhood and youth broken for ever. For awhile Cornelius let me weep; then he did his best to soothe and console me. The very sound of his voice brought comfort to my heart; my tears lost their bitterness, at length they ceased to flow, and I could hear and speak with calmness. "And so," said Cornelius, bending over me, his right hand clasping mine, his left resting on the back of the bench behind me, "and so it was only friendship after all which you felt for William Murray." "You seem surprised, Cornelius." "There was every appearance and every chance against it." "I don't grant the chance." "Because you have lived an isolated life, and know not that the first thing a youth and maiden, situated as you and William were, think of, is to get engaged as fast as they can." "Was that what you thought yesterday, Cornelius?" "Why did you not undeceive me?" "Why did you not ask?" "I did not like to put the question." "Nor I to speak unquestioned. I had never dreamed that William, with whom I was so free, so friendly, with whom I played, picked up shells, and ran about, could think of such a thing. How could you, Cornelius?" "Why not? he was your friend, and a fine young man, too." "Yes," I replied, "and as good-looking as a very fair man can be. But his looks have nothing to do with what I mean, Cornelius." "What is it you mean?" "That he is a mere boy; Kate always called him a boy, and I always thought him one. You do not think I could have been so free with a young man. Indeed, no, Cornelius. And then he is a sailor!" "Do you object to that?" "Most decidedly." "Why, what would you like, Daisy?" "I don't know; but I know what I do not like, and a Lord Admiral himself would not tempt me." "I had no idea you had so many good reasons for rejecting him," said Cornelius, smiling; "he is fair, a boy, and a sailor--have you anything else?" "Yes, Cornelius," I replied, looking up into his face, "I have known him too long--almost as long as you." "Indeed!" he said, abstractedly, "is old acquaintance so great a sin in your opinion, Daisy?" "Not a sin, Cornelius; but I have liked William like a brother, and I cannot like him otherwise." "Daisy, it seems to me that an old and known friend is in general much preferable to the stranger." "That is a good reason, Cornelius, and I am talking of a feeling. Mine is so strong that, much as I like William, I feel a sort of relief in thinking we shall not meet in haste." "Oh! Daisy," sadly said Cornelius, "do you impute that poor boy's affection for you, as a crime to him."