"You have no need to be. I have always tried to do my duty, and while you were engaged to another, I allowed not even a sigh to escape my lips. But now I venture to think that the circumstances are altered. I know I am not a gallant officer, I have done no doughty deeds, and the Victoria Cross does not adorn my bosom. I am comparatively poor; but I can offer an honest heart and a very sincere and respectful love. Oh, Miss Clibborn, cannot you give me hope that as time wears on you will be able to look upon my suit with favour?" "I'm afraid my answer must be final." "I hope to be soon appointed to a living, and I looked forward ardently to the life of usefulness and of Christian fellowship which we might have lived together. You are an angel of mercy, Miss Clibborn. I cannot help thinking that you are eminently suitable for the position which I make so bold as to offer you." "I won't deny that nothing could attract me more than to be the wife of a clergyman. One has such influence for good, such power of improving one's fellow-men. But I love Captain Parsons. Even if he has ceased to care for me, I could never look upon him with other feelings." "Even though it touches me to the quick, Miss. Clibborn," said the curate, earnestly, "I respect and admire you for your sentiments. You are wonderful. I wonder if you'd allow me to make a little confession?" The curate hesitated and reddened. "The fact is, I have written a few verses comparing you to Penelope, which, if you will allow me, I should very much like to send you." "I should like to see them very much," said Mary, blushing a little and smiling. "Of course, I'm not a poet, I'm too busy for that; but they are the outpouring of an honest, loving heart." "I'm sure," said Mary, encouragingly, "that it's better to be sincere and upright than to be the greatest poet in the world." "It's very kind of you to say so. I should like to ask one question, Miss Clibborn. Have you any objection to me personally?" "Oh, no!" cried Mary. "How can you suggest such a thing? I have the highest respect and esteem for you, Mr. Dryland. I can never forget the great compliment you have paid me. I shall always think of you as the best friend I have." "Can you say nothing more to me than that?" asked the curate, despondently. Mary stretched out her hand. "I will be a sister to you." "Oh, Miss Clibborn, how sad it is to think that your affections should be unrequited. Why am I not Captain Parsons? Miss Clibborn, can you give me no hope?" "I should not be acting rightly towards you if I did not tell you at once that so long as Captain Parsons lives, my love for him can never alter." "I wish I were a soldier!" murmured Mr. Dryland. "Oh, it's not that. I think there's nothing so noble as a clergyman. If it is any consolation to you, I may confess that if I had never known Captain Parsons, things might have gone differently." "Well, I suppose I had better go away now. I must try to bear my disappointment."