I cannot now speak at further length; I am too much surprised, too much agitated, too much shocked at what I have heard; but I shall see you, if you will allow me, to-morrow; and as I cannot become your husband, perhaps I may become your guardian angel.
Allow me to see you to-morrow.

You have taken me so completely by surprise that I.am quite incapable of speaking on this subject, as perhaps--but I know not yet--I must become more cool, and reflect deeply upon what my conduct ought to be.

Alas! my dear Miss Goodwin, little you suspect how completely your happiness and misery are in my power.

Will you permit me to see you to-morrow ?" "Certainly, sir," replied Alice, "since it seems that you have something of more than ordinary importance to communicate to me--something, which, I suppose, I ought to know.

I shall see you." He then took his leave with an air of deep melancholy and sorrow, and left poor Alice in a state of anxiety very difficult to be described.
Her mind became filled with a sudden and unusual alarm; she trembled like an aspen leaf; and when her mother came to ask her the result of the interview, she found her pale as death and in tears.
"Why, Alley, my child," said she, "what is the matter?
Why do you look so much alarmed, and why are you in tears?
Has the man been rude or offensive to you ?" "No, mamma, he has not; but--but--I am to see him again to-morrow, and until then, mamma, do not ask me anything upon the subject of our interview to-day." Her mother felt rather gratified at this.