"I cannot thank you in words; they are too poor to express how I
estimate this frank and generous consent; my actions will, I trust, show
how truly I appreciate it. Forgive me, Arthur, for my unjust suspicions,
but I imagined when I commenced the conversation, that you suspected the
nature of my embassy, and by cold looks and words strove to divert me
from speaking in plainer terms, and forcing you to a denial of my
request."
Arthur was slightly embarrassed, and his companion looked at him,
wondering what could thus discompose his usually sedate friend.
"The truth is," he said after a pause, "that I totally misunderstood
you, so you see there has been a mutual mistake. I have been blind,
indeed, but I had not the slightest idea that you entertained any
feeling but friendship for Ella."
"And pray, then, if you will permit me to inquire," and there was
something mischievous in the speaker's glance and tone, "to whom did you
imagine I alluded, when I informed you that, woman, dear woman, was the
prize so much coveted?"
"Well, I did think," and the speaker's hesitancy was not by any means
unobserved by his friend, "for report affirmed, that Miss Wiltshire was
the lady to whom you intended to vow life-long allegiance.
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