If I wanted to know more, he referred me to the lady herself.

I found her very reserved.

A long time passed before I could win her confidence--and a longer time still before I ventured to confess the feeling with which she had inspired me.

You know the rest." "You mean, of course, that you offered her marriage ?" "Certainly." "And she refused you on account of your position in life." "No.

I had foreseen that obstacle, and had followed the example of the adventurous nobleman in the old story.