'I never contemplated anything of this kind; never dreamt of the possibility of it.

To know something of the life of one in whom I felt such interest; to see her in the street, to pass the house in which she lived, to meet her sometimes in her walks, to hope that a day might come when I might be in a condition to tell her of my love, this was the utmost extent of my thoughts.

Now, however--but I should be a fool, indeed, to repine at my own good fortune!' Still, Nicholas was dissatisfied; and there was more in the dissatisfaction than mere revulsion of feeling.

He was angry with the young lady for being so easily won, 'because,' reasoned Nicholas, 'it is not as if she knew it was I, but it might have been anybody,'-- which was certainly not pleasant.

The next moment, he was angry with himself for entertaining such thoughts, arguing that nothing but goodness could dwell in such a temple, and that the behaviour of the brothers sufficiently showed the estimation in which they held her.