I said you loved her to distraction.' 'That's true, Newman,' replied Nicholas, with his characteristic vehemence.

'Heaven knows I do!' 'I said too, that you had admired her for a long time in secret,' said Newman.
'Yes, yes.

What did she say to that ?' asked Nicholas.
'Blushed,' said Newman.
'To be sure.

Of course she would,' said Nicholas approvingly.

Newman then went on to say, that the young lady was an only child, that her mother was dead, that she resided with her father, and that she had been induced to allow her lover a secret interview, at the intercession of her servant, who had great influence with her.