I've got leave for you to take a walk with your old uncle." That night, as I was undressing, I heard a gentle rap at the door, and Aubrey entered.

He approached me timidly, and then, throwing his arms round my neck, kissed me in silence.

I had not for years experienced such tenderness from him; and I sat now mute and surprised.

At last I said, with the sneer which I must confess I usually assumed towards those persons whom I imagined I had a right to think ill of:-- "Pardon me, my gentle brother, there is something portentous in this sudden change.

Look well round the room, and tell me at your earliest leisure what treasure it is that you are desirous should pass from my possession into your own." "Your love, Morton," said Aubrey, drawing back, but apparently in pride, not anger; "your love: I ask nothing more." "Of a surety, kind Aubrey," said I, "the favour seems somewhat slight to have caused your modesty such delay in requesting it.