"Hitherto we have lived with each other, only with each other--we have loved each other, and I have almost only loved you. Neither of us, Edith (may I believe it of you?) has known much of any other affection. But how long is this to last? that book--where is it? but no matter--it has taught me that, now, when a few months will carry us both into the world, it is improper that our relationship should continue. It says we can not be the children any longer that we have been--that such intercourse--I can now perceive why--would be injurious to you. Do you understand me?" The blush of a first consciousness came over the cheek of the maiden, as she withdrew her hand from his passionate clasp. "Ah! I see already," he exclaimed: "you too have learned the lesson. And is it thus--and we are to be happy no longer!" "Ralph!"--she endeavored to speak, but could proceed no further, and her hand was again, silently and without objection, taken into the grasp of his. The youth, after a brief pause, resumed, in a tone, which though it had lost much of its impetuousness, was yet full of stern resolution. "Hear me, Edith--but a word--a single word. I love you, believe me, dear Edith, I love you." The effect of this declaration was scarcely such as the youth desired. She had been so much accustomed to his warm admiration, indicated frequently in phrases such as these, that it had the effect of restoring to her much of her self-possession, of which the nature of the previous dialogue had a little deprived her; and, in the most natural manner in the world, she replied--perhaps too, we may add, with much of the artlessness of art-- "Why, to be sure you do, Cousin Ralph--it would be something strange indeed if you did not. I believe you love me, as I am sure you can never doubt how much you are beloved by me!" "_Cousin_ Ralph--_Cousin_ Ralph!" exclaimed the youth with something of his former impetuosity, emphasizing ironically as he spoke the unfortunate family epithet--"Ah, Edith, you _will not_ understand me--nor indeed, an hour ago, should I altogether have understood myself. Suddenly, dear Edith, however, as I read certain passages of that book, the thought darted through my brain like lightning, and I saw into my own heart, as I had never been permitted to see into it before. I there saw how much I loved you--not as my cousin--not as my sister, as you sometimes would have me call you, but as I _will not_ call you again--but as--as--" "As what?" "As my _wife_, Edith--as my own, own wife!" He clasped her hand in his, while his head sunk, and his lips were pressed upon the taper and trembling fingers which grew cold and powerless within his grasp.