"I cannot listen; truly I cannot; I must not.

It would make us both very unhappy, and you would be sure to regret such hasty words." "Regret!" and he yet clung to the hand which she scarcely endeavored to release, bending forward, hoping to read in her hidden eyes the secret her lips guarded.

"Am I, then, not old enough to know my own mind ?" "Yes--yes; I hope so, yes; but it is not for me; it can never be for me--I am no more than a child, a homeless waif, a nobody.

You forget that I do not even know who I am, or the name I ought rightfully to bear.

I will not have it so." "Naida, sweetheart!" and he burst impetuously through all bonds of restraint, her flushed cheeks the inspiration to his daring.