I do not mean as to Marie's love, but as to my award.

I might, perhaps, not pain her so much by advising her to marry you at once, as I fear I shall pain you by telling her, that in her place, I should not do so." They both sat in breathless silence to hear their fate from Agatha's lips.

Though Marie had appealed to her with a degree of playfulness, which gave to her an air of indifference on the subject, she was anything but indifferent; and yet it would have been difficult to analyse her wishes; she was quite decided that it was becoming in her to refuse Henri's prayer, nay, that it would be selfish in her to grant it; and yet, though she appealed to Reason so confidently to confirm her refusal, there was a wish, almost a hope, near her heart, that Agatha might take her brother's part.

They were, neither of them, perhaps, gratified by the decision.
"Reason has said it," said Marie, after a short pause, "and Reason shall be rewarded with a kiss;" and she put her arms round her cousin's neck and kissed her.
"But why, Agatha, tell me why ?" said Henri.

He, at any rate, was not ashamed to show that he was disappointed.
"Do not be so inconsiderate as to ask Reason for reasons," said Marie.
"I will tell you why, Henri.