"I hardly know how it occurred, but partly from the collision, partly in consequence of my hasty step back, my foot slipped over the edge of the path, the crumbling stones gave way, and I fell. "It would have been no very terrible fall, only a severe scratching and a sprain, for the cliff there was only a steep slope; but I was saved by the gentleman catching my wrist, and at the expense of a severe wrench, dragging me back to the path; and before I could recover from the surprise and the sick faint feeling that came over me, he was carrying me along the path to a grassy slope, where he tenderly laid me down, and poured between my lips a few drops of spirit from a flask. "`Lie still,' he said, in a low, sympathetic voice. `Thank Heaven, my poor child, you are safe!' "There was such a tone of command in his voice, and he seemed to imply that I had been saved from such a terrible danger, that in my weak state I accepted it all, and with a girl's romantic folly began to feel gratitude to my preserver, as I lay there blushingly glancing at the handsome face so full of solicitude that was hanging over me. "There was something in his words that went to my heart every time he spoke, and at his wish I did not attempt to move for some time, till he yielded to my solicitations, and agreed that I was sufficiently recovered to walk home. "`You are more hurt than you think, you brave little woman,' he said tenderly. `There take my arm and I will see you home.' "`Indeed I can walk,' I said, but a faint cry of pain escaped me as I tried, for my ankle was slightly sprained, and I was glad to lean upon him, and accept his escort home. "`Am I right in thinking I am speaking to Miss Denison?' he said on the way. "`Yes,' I said, surprised at the knowledge on the part of a stranger; `but how did you know?' "`Know!' he said laughing; `did you suppose that in this little Isle of Wight a beautiful flower could blossom without its fame reaching through its length and breadth?' "I started, hardly knowing whether to feel pleased or annoyed, and my replies were in monosyllables, till we reached the cottage, greatly to mamma's surprise and alarm. Here, with the most gentlemanly consideration, my companion took his leave, and I was helped to the sofa, where my little sprains were seen to, and the pain soon forgotten. "Recollect I was but nineteen, and such attentions were quite new to me. I think, then, I may be excused for listening the next day with fluttering pulses to a voice that I heard through the open window, inquiring after my health; then feeling something very near akin to pain as I heard the retiring footsteps; while when mamma took from the servant a card and read aloud, `Captain Hansleigh, Raypark Barracks,' a vivid blush overspread my cheeks, only to deepen as I caught her searching gaze and heard her sigh.