tender tones of the young man convey to me, a stranger, his meaning. I felt ashamed of hearing such a téte-à-tête, yet I had not the courage to interrupt it, and I could not stir without assistance. I had ample opportunity to think all this over, during the long pause which followed the query thus simply asked. "And what is that boon, Jamie?" "What!" he said. "Can it be possible you do not understand me? What have I laboured for all these years; what has been the culminating point of my ambition, the hope which has kept me up while others have sunk beside me into the sloughs of pleasure or despair? Was it not Was it not you who, when I was still a boy, gave me an idea of a refined intellectual world, beyond the rough animal one in which I dwelt? Was it not you who made me feel I had talents which I might not allow to lay dormant; talents for the right use or abuse of which I shall one day have to give an account? My constant study from that time was to serve you; to show you the gratitude and affection you had awakened in me. Now at this place," he continued, lowering his voice, "hallowed by the remembrance of him we loyed-still love-I would place my fate in your hands. I would entreat you, dearest Edith, not to despise me because I am low born; to think rather of what you have been instrumental in making me, of what I would now be to you." "As to the matter of birth, Jamie, surely you need not apologize. But I need not talk on that. I knew what you were going to say before you spoke; I knew why you so urgently pressed my coming here to-night. Forgive me if I have acted cruelly, I did it for the best. A happy and prosperous career is opening before you, Jamie; God trust you may be long spared to enjoy it. But words such as you have spoken this afternoon must never again pass your lips, Jamie; I sincerely love you, yet I could as soon fancy you wedded to one of these dead bodies as to me. The blind can only associate with the blind. How could I partake your joys, which I have never known? How make you the helpmate you require ?" 66 Edie, this is all nonsense, and nothing to the purpose. Surely, if I consider Oh! I cannot reason thus; I only know your misfortune is no impediment to our union. You have never been blessed with eyesight, yet I have ever loved you. My whole life, my whole happiness, is bound up in your acceptance of the offer I have just made." "You fancy so now," she returned, sadly; "yet, Jamie, in after years, when the sentiment of youth yields before the reason of age, you will acknowledge that I have acted rightly. Go, Jamie, into the world in which you are so well fitted to shine; be gentle and courteous to those who would laugh at the parvenu, and work for the advantage of your fellow-men and your own good name. I shall be here thinking of you, praying for you, rejoicing in your success. But learn to look upon me as an attached sister and devoted friend; more than this I can never be. Do not shake your head, Jamie ; do not consider my lot unhappy; I assure you it is far better I should be as I am, than in the false position you would place me. I know you do not believe this now; you will some day. But had I not been deprived of that inestimable gift which would have made me capable of being your wife, I doubt if I could have left my dear adopted mother alone." "Alone!" her companion repeated, scornfully. "She will be well taken care of before long." "I do not believe it," Edie replied; "such reports have no foundation. Papa's bosom friend eould never love another." "Ah, you know little of life to think thus, Edie, I tell what has been my experience; if a woman were Gabriel's widow, she might nevertheless become Mephistophiles' wife." Mrs. May and Thomas returned at this point of the conversation, and I heard no more. As I stepped into my carriage the talkers passed by. A peaceful, happy smile rested on Edie's face; she bent confidingly on the arm of him who had promised to be eyes to the blind for a longer walk than that on which they were now bent. Yet I felt happy for Jamie Stevens' sake that the noble |