Gradually her eyes turned and met mine.

Oh, the bliss unutterable of that moment! It was no longer the look of cold scorn she had given me last; the expression was one of soft and speaking gratitude.

She seemed to read my very heart, and know its truth; there was a tone of deep and compassionate interest in the glance; and forgetting all,--everything that had passed,--all save my unaltered, unalterable love, I kneeled beside her, and in words burning as my own heart burned, poured out my tale of mingled sorrow and affection with all the eloquence of passion.

I vindicated my unshaken faith,--reconciling the conflicting evidences with the proofs I proffered of my attachment.

If my moments were measured, I spent them not idly.