The heart has language all its own." Still the maiden's form was motionless; and her hand lay passive in the hand that now held it with a strong clasp.

Yet, how wildly did her heart beat! How tumultuous were all her feelings! How delicious the thrill that pervaded her being! "I love you, Jessie! Dear one! Angel! And by this token you are mine!" said Dexter, his voice full of passion's fine enthusiasm.

And he raised her hand to his lips, kissing it half-wildly as he did so.
"The gods have made this hour propitious!" he added, as he drew her head down against his bosom, and laid his ardent lips to hers.
"Bless you, darling! Bless you!" he went on.

"My life is crowned this hour with its chiefest delight! Mine! mine!" Yet, not a word had parted the maiden's lips, thus spirited away, as it were, out of herself, and strangely betrayed into consenting silence.

She had neither given her yea nor her nay--and dared as little to speak the one as the other.
Almost bereft of physical power, she sat with her face hidden on the bosom of this impulsive lover, for many minutes.