I can honestly tell you that I was fool enough to love her with all my heart and soul.

She never allowed me to doubt--I may say this without conceit, remembering the miserable end of it--that my feeling for her was returned.

Her father and mother (excellent people) approved of the contemplated marriage.

She accepted my presents; she allowed all the customary preparations for a wedding to proceed to completion; she had not even mercy en ough, or shame enough, to prevent me from publicly degrading myself by waiting for her at the altar, in the presence of a large congregation.

The minutes passed--and no bride appeared.