Lisle had listened like one devouring her every word, but even before she had come to an end he drew a deep breath of relief. Whomsoever this man might be, she had never really cared for him, her heart had never been touched, he had her own assurance to that effect, and for him, Everard Lisle, that was enough. It was merely one of those lessons of experience which, in one shape or another, we all of us have to learn, only she happily had been spared those bitter consequences which so many of us are called upon to drain to the lees. If, as a lesson, it served no other purpose, it would at least teach her to discern and appreciate the difference between a spurious love and one that was rooted in the heart’s inmost core. “Since you have chosen to tell me these things,” he said, “I can but accept and value them as so many proofs of your confidence, but they weigh with me not so much as the lightest snowflake. They have not moved me by a single hair-breadth from the ground I stood on before, and now, at last, you must listen to what else I have to say. You have no longer any excuse for not doing so. Ethel, answer me once again the question I put to you on your birthday, only this time—this time—let your answer be a different one! Will you be my wife?” They had come to a halt—why, neither of them could have told—and somehow both her hands found themselves imprisoned in his She did not try to release them, but her face was still averted and the marble of her neck and throat was flushed with tenderest rose. “Speak, dearest—have you not one word for me?” he pleaded. Then she turned upon him two darkly shining eyes which seemed the dwelling-place of that great mystery whose other name is love. “And can you,” she said, each syllable punctuated by a heart-throb—“nay, is it even possible, after what I have just told you, that you should still care for one who is nothing more than a waif—who as a wife would come to you parentless, nameless, dowerless? Consider. Take time to think. Do not answer me now, unless——” “Do not answer you now!” broke in Everard impetuously. “When then should I answer you? Oh, my love—my love—how little you know me! This is my one and only answer.” An instant later she was locked in his arms. CHAPTER XLI. SIR GILBERT’S STRANGE EXPERIENCE It was considerably past five o’clock before our lovers found themselves back at the cottage, where Lady Pell and Mrs. Tew were awaiting their arrival in order to have tea brought in. When it was over Lady Pell drew Ethel aside. “Well, my dear, and so he has summoned up courage to speak it last,” she said. “I have seen what was coming for a long time, but I certainly thought him somewhat dilatory in bringing matters to a climax. However, all’s well that ends well. I congratulate you most heartily. I approve your choice, and so I am sure, will Sir Gilbert when I tell him. Don’t say anything now. You and I will have a long talk together in the morning.”