You _know_ how I love Margaret!--and I told him all about Colonel Neilson's love for her, and that she _needn't_ be an old maid unless she liked.

But as to deceiving you----" Rylton, standing staring at her, feels that it is the truth--the truth only--to which he is listening.

Not for a moment does he disbelieve her.

Who could, gazing on that small, earnest face?
And yet his silence breathes of disbelief to her.

She steps backwards, and raises her little hand--a little hand very tightly clenched.
"What! Do you not believe me ?" asks she, her eyes blazing.
"I believe you?
Yes," returns her quickly.