'You look very nice, child. Now I hope you are going to enjoy yourself like other girls, and not let silly scruples lead you into doing anything that will displease General Forsyth.' 'I am not going to dance, Mrs. Forsyth,' I said, flushing as I spoke. She left my room without replying, and then kneeling down, I asked to be kept and guided throughout the evening. I found great comfort in the verse, 'I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.' And on my knees I asked that I might not only be kept from joining in the gaiety, but from wishing to join in it, for I felt how little I knew my own heart. All that day I had had longings to throw myself heart and soul into everything, as Nelly intended doing; and I found myself wondering if there would be very much harm in doing so. An hour later and I was in the midst of it. The first one who made his way to me was Captain Gates. 'I want you to give me a waltz,' he said. 'We have danced together before, so don't say "No." I have been looking forward to it.' I shook my head. 'I can see from your face, Captain Gates, that you know what my answer will be. I think you would be very surprised if I were to do it.' 'I assure you I shouldn't be,' he responded; 'there's no earthly difference in dancing now and dancing a week or two ago. It is the same partner and the same place. Come, don't make my evening an unpleasant one by refusing!' 'I should not do that in any case,' I answered; 'there are plenty of other partners in the room for you.' 'I will not dance with any of them if I cannot dance with you.' I looked up in surprise; there was suppressed vehemence in his tone; he went on,-- 'Will you come out upon the terrace with me? I--I want to speak to you.' I hesitated, and wanted to refuse, but I had a longing to get out into the cool air, and I did not realize at the time what it might lead to. So throwing a light shawl over my head I stepped out upon the terrace, and then suddenly he overwhelmed me with surprise and consternation by telling me that he cared for me, and asking if I could return his love. 'I am very, very sorry,' I faltered; 'but you have known me such a little while that I never dreamt of such a thing. I can hardly believe you are in earnest even now.' 'Do I look as if I were trifling?' he said earnestly. 'Miss Thorn, you have the making of me in your hands. I have led a useless kind of life up to the present, and I have for a long time been dissatisfied and restless about it. I see you have what I have not, and I want your help. I do want a good woman as my wife--I feel she could raise my life to a higher level, and you could do this for me.' 'I cannot,' I said gravely. 'No one can do that but God.' He went on without heeding me,--