"Why, if you like, she shall be yours, when--when everything has come right. I think she would carry a lady beautifully. What do you say, Pam? Would you like her, _then_?" "Yes," said Pamela, with her eyes very bright. "You didn't seem to mind my going away at Christmas, Pam. You were the only one who didn't protest." "I know you wouldn't go if you could help it." "Wise little woman. I must go, darling--to unravel a tangled skein. Afterwards it will be paradise, Pam. I will come back as soon--as soon as ever I can. I shall be in a fury of impatience till I come back." "And I," said Pam, lifting her eyes to her lover, and flooding him with their light. "Sweetheart! you were a coquette when I knew you first, Pam. Now you don't try me as many girls try their lovers." "I have only love for you now. Ah! what should I do if you did not come back?" "I will come back, 'though 'twere ten thousand mile.' I shall be here for your great function. Do you think I would have you go without me?" "I shouldn't care for it without you." "There will be other men there, Pamela, to see how beautiful you are. I must be there to guard my own." "There is no need for that." "I believe you, my love, you are as much mine as if you were my wife. And I am as much yours." "Love can only mean that." "Ah, my darling! how sweet you are! You wouldn't care for the admiration of other men, Pam?" "Only for one." "It is hard to be wise, Pam, when I am with you. You are too sweet. It is fortunate I am going." "When you come back it will be different." "Yes; you will have to make up to me for my prudence all these months. I have been good, Pam; I have never asked you for a kiss." "Yes, you have been good." "And you, you are a girl in ten thousand. You have never asked me what stood between us--a shadowy barrier, Pam, but even that must go before I claim you, my queen. When I come back, Pam! Ah, when I come back!" "Here is Molly," said Pam, in a low voice, as her sister entered the room. END OF CHAPTER SIX. [Illustration: GREAT ANNIVERSARIES] GREAT ANNIVERSARIES _IN DECEMBER._ By the Rev. A. R. Buckland, M.A., Morning Preacher at the Foundling Hospital.