Hilton threw his arms around her, and kissed her cold face in a transport of thankfulness.
"Then, why not? We were betrothed in Italy, when I believed you Mr. Brown's daughter, as I do now."
"But I did not know that you were an English nobleman, and heir to a large estate."
"Is that a crime, Caroline? Besides, you need not trouble yourself about the estate. When I ask you in marriage, that is given up."
She turned to him suddenly, and held out her hands.
"Are you, indeed, ready to give up so much for me?"
"I am ready to give up everything but my honor," was his reply.
"I am only a poor girl, with no honor to hold but my own; but you shall not find me less generous than you are."
He kissed her hands in passionate gratitude.
"Ah, darling, I knew—I knew that it must end so."