"Plenty of time! Yes, if all that need be done, is to call the minister, and have the ceremony performed! But it strikes me this is _not_ all. However, what day have you fixed upon as your choice for the wedding occasion?" "I can't say as I have thought upon any day in particular; in fact, the subject had so far escaped my mind, that I had nearly forgotten it entirely." "A devoted lover, truly! What am I to think of such unmerited coldness?" and she burst into tears. "Come, Eliza, let us understand each other, and be friends." "Friends! Is that all?" "Lovers, then." "Husband and wife, you mean." "Lovers only; as we have been." "Am I to understand you as saying you will not fulfill your written promise of making me your lawful wife?" "You might be farther from the truth." "Is this the reward of my devotion? the fruits of my sacrifice? Oh, God, who shall measure the depths of wickedness of a depraved heart? Sir, I shall enforce my rights." "You dare not do it." "Why not?" "The very attempt will ruin yourself, and your father's business by bringing disgrace upon his house." "I see it, sir; but what if I still proceed?" "You cannot." "I can." "On what plan?" "On your own written promise." "You have no such promise." "Do you deny giving it?" "I do." "Then your own hand-writing will condemn you." "Be certain of that before you proceed." "You know I _have_ such a document." "I know you have _not_." "Then I will prove it." And she went in search of the paper, where she had carefully placed it away. But no paper was to be found! What could have become of it? She returned. "Well, let me see your 'document,' as you term it," he said, in a taunting manner. "It has been misplaced by some means, but I will find it in time to answer my purpose." "Perhaps." "Durant, you _know_ I have such a paper, and what is the use of denying it?" "Again, I repeat, I know no such thing." Then after a pause, he continued: "We might as well understand each other at once." He produced a paper, and went on: "Here, I suppose, is the article you speak of. I see it is in my hand-writing, and lest by any chance it should again fall into your hands, I will destroy it." And holding it in the candle, it was soon reduced to ashes. The outwitted girl sat dumb with astonishment, surprise and dismay, and, for several seconds, was speechless. When utterance came, she inquired: "How, in the name of reason, did you get that paper in your possession?" "I will be frank: I watched you putting it away, and the next day I went and took it." "And this is my reward for the signal service you demanded as the price of that written promise?" "My continued love will be your reward."