I was one of the pioneers to the gold-fields, you know, and made a sufficient fortune there for my wants.

What is more, I kept it.
When I had done this I was coming home, but hearing of my uncle's death I changed my plan, travelled, speculated, and increased my fortune.

Now, before we part: you remember you stood with me at the altar once, and therefore I speak with less preparation than I should otherwise use.
Before we part then I ask, shall another again intrude between us?
Or shall we complete the union we began ?' She trembled--just as she had done at that very minute of standing with him in the church, to which he had recalled her mind.

'I will not enter into that now, dear Nicholas,' she replied.

'There will be more to talk of and consider first--more to explain, which it would have spoiled this meeting to have entered into now.' 'Yes, yes; but--' 'Further than the brief answer I first gave, Nic, don't press me to-night.