Oh yes, I spoke to her, and she answered me; but I must not tell you things in this desultory fashion, or you will never understand.

I have told you that I do not know when my attachment to Miss Hamilton commenced.

It was gradual and imperceptible at first,--very real, no doubt, but it had not mastered my reason.

I always admired her: how could I help it ?' with some emotion.
'Even you, who are not her lover, have owned to me that she is a beautiful creature.

I suppose her beauty attracted me first, until I saw the sweetness and unselfishness of her nature, and from that moment I lost my heart.
'The full consciousness came to me at the time of their trouble about Eric.