There was a tremor in her voice; and, I could see _now_ that the soft grey eyes, which were piteously turned to mine, were tearful and sad.

I was mad, however, with love and grief, or I could not have resisted the mute entreaty I there read--to be silent.
"Min," I went on to say, passionately, "you must now decide whether we are to meet again, or part for ever! You know how I love you now, have loved you ever since I first saw your darling face,--will love you until my heart ceases to beat! But, I cannot, oh! I cannot go on like this.
The suspense is killing me:--anxiety and uncertainty are driving me mad! Tell me, Min--dear as you are to me, I ask it for the last time-- whether you will promise to be my wife?
Only give me a grain of hope, that I may have something to look forward to; something to work for; some object in life?
At present, I have nothing; and, my existence is a burden to me!" "Can we not be friends still, Frank ?" she asked, sadly.
"No, Min," I answered; "_I_ cannot promise any longer what I feel unable to perform.

You must be everything to me or nothing! I would lay down my life for you, darling! Won't you give me some hope ?" "Oh, Frank! do not torture me,"-- she exclaimed, in a choking voice--"I have pledged my word, and I cannot break it." "Better to break my heart than your mother's selfish command!" I said, bitterly, knowing, now, how she had probably been bound down to refuse me, should I again offer my love.
O wise, far-reaching, far-seeing Mrs Clyde! "Do not be so unkind to me, Frank," said Min, half sobbingly, after a little time, during which I tried to keep down my own emotion; and, I felt a warm little tear drop on the hand in which I still clasped hers in a lingering clasp--"I have been a friend, though, to you; have I not, Frank ?" she asked me.
"Tell me, Min," I said, making a last appeal; "do you love me--have you ever loved me?
Let me have some consolation, to comfort me!" "I must not say anything, must not promise anything.

I have given my word to mamma.

But, oh, Frank! do not be angry with me.