But the visitor was not to be driven from his purpose.
"It is _not_ too late, Jessie Loring!" He spoke with eagerness.
She made a motion as if about to rise, but he said in a tone that restrained her.
"No, Miss Loring! You _must_ hear what I have to say to-night." She grew very pale; but looked at him steadily.
So unexpected were his intimations--so imperative his manner, that she was, in a degree, bereft for the time of will.
"You should have spared me this, Mr.Hendrickson," she answered, sadly, and with a gentle rebuke in her tones.
"I would endure years of misery to save you from a moment's pain!" was quickly replied.

"And it is in the hope of being able to call down Heaven's choicest blessings on your head, that I am here to-night.

Let me speak without reserve.

Will you hear me ?" Miss Loring made no sigh; only her eyelids drooped slowly, until the bright orbs beneath were hidden and the dark lashes lay softly on her colorless cheeks.
"There is one thing, Miss Loring," he began, "known to yourself and me alone.

It is our secret.