There lives at least one being who can never change--one being who would be content to devote his whole existence to your happiness--who lives but in your eyes--who breathes but in your smiles--who bears the heavy burden of life itself only for you.' 'Could such an individual be found--' said the lady.
'But he CAN be found,' said the ardent Mr.Tupman, interposing.

'He IS found.

He is here, Miss Wardle.' And ere the lady was aware of his intention, Mr.Tupman had sunk upon his knees at her feet.
'Mr.Tupman, rise,' said Rachael.
'Never!' was the valorous reply.

'Oh, Rachael!' He seized her passive hand, and the watering-pot fell to the ground as he pressed it to his lips.--'Oh, Rachael! say you love me.' 'Mr.Tupman,' said the spinster aunt, with averted head, 'I can hardly speak the words; but--but--you are not wholly indifferent to me.' Mr.Tupman no sooner heard this avowal, than he proceeded to do what his enthusiastic emotions prompted, and what, for aught we know (for we are but little acquainted with such matters), people so circumstanced always do.

He jumped up, and, throwing his arm round the neck of the spinster aunt, imprinted upon her lips numerous kisses, which after a due show of struggling and resistance, she received so passively, that there is no telling how many more Mr.Tupman might have bestowed, if the lady had not given a very unaffected start, and exclaimed in an affrighted tone-- 'Mr.Tupman, we are observed!--we are discovered!' Mr.Tupman looked round.