You would be a pleasant dream to me, which I should be free to indulge in without reproach of my conscience; I should live in hopeful expectation of your returning fully qualified to boldly claim me of my father.

There, I have been terribly frank, I know.' He in his turn had lapsed into gloomy breathings now.

'I did plan it as you state,' he answered.

'I did mean to go away the moment I had your promise.

But, dear Christine, I did not foresee two or three things.