'He regards you as affianced, and so do I!' How completely has this web invested me! Is there no way of escape ?" A slight shudder went through her frame.

"Ah, well, well!"-- low and mournfully--"It may be that my woman's ideal has been too exalted, and above the standard of real men.

Mr.Dexter is handsome; kind-hearted enough, no doubt; moderately well cultivated; rich, elegant in manner, though a little too demonstrative; and, most to be considered, loves me--or, at least, declares himself my lover.

That he is sincere I cannot doubt.

His was not the role of a skillful actor, but living expression.