Heaven grant that it may be a favorable one, for I am badly prepared to see my hopes blasted, and my affection for you spurned! My happiness, my dear Miss Goodwin--my happiness for life depends upon the result of this interview.

I know--but I should not say so--for in this instance I must be guided by hearsay--well, I know from hearsay that your heart is kind and affectionate.

Now I believe this; for who can look upon your face and doubt it?
Believing this, then, how can you, when you know that the happiness of a man who loves you beyond the power of language to express, is at stake, depends upon your will--how can you, I say, refuse to make that individual--who appreciated all your virtues, as I do--who feels the influence of your extraordinary beauty, as I do--who contemplates your future happiness as the great object of his life, as I do--how can you, I say, refuse to make that man happy ?" "Mr.Woodward," she said, "I will not reply to your arguments; I simply wish to ask you, Are you a gentleman ?--in other words, a man of integrity and principle ?" "Do you doubt me, Miss Goodwin ?" he inquired, as if he felt somewhat hurt.
"It is very difficult, Mr.Woodward," she replied, "to know the heart; I request, however, a direct and a serious answer, for I can assure you that I am about to place the deepest possible confidence in your faith and honor." "O," he exclaimed, "that is sufficient; in such a case I feel bound to respect your confidence as sacred; do not hesitate to confide in me.

Let me perish a thousand times sooner than abuse such a trust.

Speak out, Miss Goodwin." "It is necessary that I should," she replied, "both for your sake and my own.