I love your niece, sir, with all my heart, most truly, most dearly! I will ask you to believe that it was not in my mind to speak to her to-day, or to speak at all without your knowledge.

I confess the impropriety of my course.

But we met unawares.

It is not to be helped.

In no way is she to blame." Jacqueline rose, came to her uncle, and tried to take his hand.