Guard the hand writing there as you value your best and highest interests!" Edwin Florence listened, but only half comprehended what was said by his aged friend.

An hour afterwards he was sitting by the side of a maiden, her hand in his, and her eyes looking tenderly upon his face.

She was not beautiful in the sense that the world regards beauty.

Yet, no one could be with her an hour without perceiving the higher and truer beauty of a pure and lovely spirit.

It was this real beauty of character which had attracted Edwin Florence; and the young girl's heart had gone forth to meet the tender of affection with an impulse of gladness.
"You love me, Edith ?" said Edwin, in a low voice, as he bent nearer, and touched her pure forehead with his lips.
"As my life," replied the maiden, and her eyes were full of love as she spoke.
Again the young man kissed her.
In low voices, leaning towards each other until the breath of each was warm on the other's cheek, they sat conversing for a long time.
Then they separated; and both were happy.