“‘Lottie,’ said I, ‘this faithful old friend remembers me, and I am glad to know that there is one living thing in this cold world that cares for me. I want you to take good care of him for my sake when I am gone, for I guess I will not see him any more. I never shall forget those happy days when we were poor, homeless tramps--penniless, friendless and simple, but hopeful and cheerful.’ “Her face was turned away--her eyes were bent on the ground, and she was busy plucking the tender leaves from a bunch of roses, and scattering them at her feet. I knew from the rise and fall of her bosom that some strong emotion was at work in her breast; but I thought it was caused by an unwillingness to listen to my melancholy expressions. “Taking her left hand, I enclosed it in both of mine, and after holding it a moment, I ventured to raise it to my lips and stamp it with many fervent kisses; then I pressed it over my loud throbbing heart, while her face was still turned away from me. “‘I wonder if any other man ever will press this little hand against his heart, and call it his?’ “She instantly withdrew it with a sudden jerk, as if an insect had stung her, and then fixing her expressive eyes on me with a reproachful look, said: “‘I declare, we must go to the house now; mother does not like to keep tea waiting for any one.’ “‘She will excuse you when you inform her that I was making my farewell visit; who knows that we ever shall meet again in this world?’ “Once more she turned her face away and gazed on the ground. “‘Lottie, here is a beautiful diamond ring I want you to wear; it will prevent you from entirely forgetting the one who has always loved you.’ “As I uttered those words in a trembling tone, I took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger, which she did not resist, nor did she give any signs of assent; in fact, she did not seem to notice what I was saying or doing; but I could see that she was deeply moved with excitement, as her body was trembling violently. “‘Lottie, will you write me a letter occasionally when I am far away from the one I love so dearly?’ “‘Yes, Edward, I will answer all your letters.’ “After I had placed the ring on her finger, I again pressed her trembling hand against my heart. “‘Lottie, it will be a long time ere we meet again, and I suppose you will be married to some distinguished man before my return?’ “A gentle shake of the head, and a slight jerk of the hand, was her only answer. “‘Will you ever think of the boyish tramp who long ago claimed you as his little wife, after I am gone?’ “‘Yes, Edward, I never shall forget the halcyon days of old, for although we were poor, homeless wanderers, we were not unhappy.’