"Now hear me, Marian. I swear before Heaven, and in thy sight--that--as I have never loved woman before you--that--as I love you only of all women--I will be faithful to you while I live upon this earth! as your husband, if you will accept me; as your exclusive lover, whether you will or not! I hold myself pledged to you as long as we both shall live! There, Marian! I am bound to you as tight as vows can bind! I am pledged to you whether you accept my pledge or not. You cannot even release, for I am pledged to Heaven as well. There, Marian, you see I am bound, while you only are free. Come! be generous! You have said that you loved me! Pledge yourself to me in like manner. We are both young, dear Marian, and we can wait. Only let me have your promise to be my wife--only let me have that blessed assurance for the future, and I can endure the present. Speak, dear Marian." "Your grandfather--" "He has no grudge against you, personally, sweet girl; he knows nothing, suspects nothing of my preferences--how should he? No, dearest girl--his notion that I must have a moneyed bride is the merest whim of dotage; we must forgive the whims of ninety-five. That great age also augurs for us a short engagement and a speedy union!" "Oh! never let us dream of that! It would be sinful, and draw down upon us the displeasure of Heaven. Long may the old man yet live to prepare for a better life." "Amen; so be it; God forbid that I should grudge the aged patriarch his few remaining days upon earth--days, too, upon which his soul's immortal welfare may depend," said Thurston. "But, dearest girl, it is more difficult to get a reply from you than from a prime minister. Answer, now, once for all, sweet girl! since I am forever bound to you; will you pledge yourself to become my own dear wife?" "Yes," whispered Marian, very lowly. "And will you," he asked, gathering her form closer to his bosom, "will you redeem that pledge when I demand it?" "Yes," she murmured sweetly, "so that it is not to harm you, or bring you into trouble or poverty; for that I would not consent to do!" "God bless you; you are an angel! Oh! Marian! I find it in my heart to sigh because I am so unworthy of you!" And this was spoken most sincerely. "You think too well of me. I fear--I fear for the consequences." "Why, dearest Marian?" "Oh, I fear that when you know me better you may love me less," she answered, in a trembling voice. "Why should I?" "Oh! because your love may have been attracted by ideal qualities, with which you yourself have invested me; and when your eyes are opened you may love me less." "May my soul forever perish the day that I cease to love you!" said Thurston, passionately pressing her to his heart, and sealing his fearful oath upon her pure brow and guileless lips. "And now, beloved! this compact is sealed! Our fates are united forever! Henceforth nothing shall dissever us!" They were now drawing near the village. Marian suddenly stopped.