Think of who I am; think of Miss Gwynne; think of yourself.

Oh! this is cruel, cruel jesting to all!' 'I was never more serious in my life.' As Colonel Vaughan said this, he saw nothing, thought of nothing, but the peculiar beauty of the creature who stood, flushed and agitated, at his side.

He forgot himself and his purposes, in his temporary blind admiration.
'Now, Gladys, I await your answer,' he said, not doubting what that answer would be.
'I have no answer to give, sir, because I know that, even if you now think yourself in earnest, you will be no longer so to-night.' 'Before we leave this wood, girl, I will and must have an answer, and beware how you irritate me.' He seized her hand as he spoke, and held it tight.
'You will release me before I answer you, sir; I have gone through too many dangers and temptations to be frightened into speech.' He released her hand, but kept his eyes fixed on her face.

She did not quail, though she felt her heart beat violently.
'If you are serious, sir, I ought, I suppose, to be grateful for so strange an honour; but I do not believe you are so, and my answer is, that a servant such as I, can have nothing to say to a gentleman such as you.' 'A servant! You will be no longer a servant.

You are not one at this moment.' Again he seized her hand.