“Modesty prevents my reminding you of my humble aspirations to your friendship,” added Paul, nestling closer to her side. Suddenly she looked up at him with an intense penetrating gaze, while she squeezed the parrot until it screamed. “Do you think you could show your friendship and stick to me through a terrible ordeal?” she asked earnestly. “I'm sure of it,” he answered. “My love is not so thin-skinned as to shrink from any test. Only try me!” “Then get me away from this place,” she cried, “far, _far_ away from it. But, mind, it will not be so easy as you think.” “Are you held against your will?” demanded Paul. “No, _no_! You can not understand it. But I could not go alone. I will explain it to you some time, but not now. There is no hurry.” “Is Ah Ben anxious to keep you?” inquired Henley. “On the contrary, he wishes me to go. You can not understand me, as I am quite different from other girls. Only take my word for what I tell you; and when the time comes, you will not desert me, will you?” There was something wildly entreating in her manner and the tones of her voice, and a pathos which went to Henley's heart. What it all was about he could no more imagine than he could account for any of the mysteries at Guir House; but he was determined to stand by Dorothy, come what might. Suddenly the girl had become quiet, rapt in some new thought. In another minute she placed her hand lightly upon Paul's shoulder, and said: “Remember, you have promised!” “I have promised,” answered Paul. “Is there anything more?” “Yes,” said Dorothy. She paused for a minute, as if what she were about to say was a great effort. “Well,” he continued, “after I have got you safely away--which, by the by, does not seem such a difficult task, as no one opposes your going--but, after we have escaped together, what further am I to do?” “Naturally, I feel great delicacy in what I am about to say,” said Dorothy; “but since you have told me that you love me, it does not seem so hard, although you do not know who or what I am--but, to be candid and frank with you, dear Paul, after you have gotten me away--why, you must marry me!” Paul snatched her up in his arms. “My darling!” he said, “you are making me the proudest man on earth!” “Do not speak too soon,” said Dorothy, releasing herself from his grasp. “Remember I have told you frankly that you do not know me. Perhaps I am driving a hard bargain with you!” For a moment Paul became serious. “Tell me, Dorothy,” he asked, in an altered tone, “have you, or Ah Ben, or any member of your mysterious household or family, any crimes to answer for? Is there any good reason why I, as an honest man, should object to taking you for my wife?” She turned scarlet as she answered: