There was no longer room for doubt, he imagined. His worst suspicions were realized. “She loves another,” was his conclusion; and he involuntarily sighed aloud. This awoke Miss Clara from her reverie. She placed the note and likeness in her bosom, and rose to depart. Her manner was cold, and tinged with sadness. As she passed him, she slightly bowed, never raised her eyes, and moved towards the door with a dignified and graceful step. Charley never felt so sick at heart in his life before, and thought that Clara looked more blooming than ever. In truth Miss Clara certainly _did_ look captivating on this particular afternoon. She was a brunette, of medium height, and symmetrically developed; her curls waved about her shoulders with every gust of air. Her dress was of light blue, somewhat low-necked, and over her bust she wore beautiful lace, with sleeves of the same material. Charley had not intended to speak to her. But, as she was about to leave the room, he mustered all his firmness, and calmly said— “Miss Clara, I——” She turned her face, now slightly flushed, and said— “Sir?” very coldly. He placed a chair for her in the deepest shadows of the room, and said— “Miss Haylark, you will really excuse me being so rude, but your looks are so sad of late, and your manners so altered towards me, that I am perplexed and concerned to know the cause. “You, Clara, who were my only friend in hours of adversity, surely you will not follow the example of the world, and look upon me with contempt or disdain? “I am unworthy to address you, it is true, but do—I beg of you to explain what I have done to destroy that friendship which has so long existed between us? “Tell me why you avert your face, and why your eyes are filled with tears?” Charley could say no more. His heart was full. “Forgive me, Clara, if I have offended you,” were the only words he uttered. And as he stood beside her chair, and saw her weeping, without making any reply, he felt like a child, and could have almost wept himself. For some time the lovers maintained silence, broken only by a suppressed sob from Clara. At last Charley took her hand, and with much gallantry, kissing it, said, “Were I a prince I could not rejoice in anything more precious than your friendship, Clara. “If I had a throne I would ask you to share it. “I would ask you to smile upon me, and bestow your hand upon me, for Heaven only knows how much I love you, Clara, and Heaven only is the witness of its sincerity. “I cannot look up to you with confidence, although I love you heart and soul. “You are too good, too holy, for one like me to aspire to.