I proposed to her because I thought I was rich.

In a foolish moment I thought I had discovered that some old stocks I had had acquired a fabulous value.

She believed it, too, but because she thought I was now a rich man and she only a poor girl--a mere servant to her father's guests--she refused me.
Refused me because she thought I might regret it in the future, because she would not have it said that she had taken advantage of my proposal only when I was rich enough to make it." "Well ?" said Mrs.Horncastle incredulously, gazing straight before her; "and then ?" "In about an hour I discovered my error, that my stocks were worthless, that I was still a poor man.

I thought it only honest to return to her and tell her, even though I had no hope.

And then she pitied me, and cried, and accepted me.