No place was so pleasant to me as that which was cheered by her presence--no smile warmed my heart like her smile; and I could always see her countenance brighten the moment I came where she was.
"Gradually, as year after year passed, and she still remained among us, our early preference for each other, or rather our early affection, assumed a more serious character.

We loved each other; she was just seventeen, and I twenty-one, when I ventured to tell her how deeply, fervently, and purely I loved her.

The formal announcement did not seem to create surprise, or agitate her in the least.
"'I never doubted it,' was her innocent reply, looking me tenderly in the face.
"'And do you love me as truly as I love you, Eugenia ?' I asked.
"'Have you ever doubted it ?' was her quiet response to this, also.
"From that moment I was bewilderingly happy.

My family was one of wealth and standing; and I immediately wrote to Mr.Ballantine, who, after sufficient time to make inquiry in regard to the character and position of his daughter's lover, returned a cordial assent to my proposal for her hand.

Thus far every thing had gone on as smoothly as a summer sea.