"I am pleased. I want you all to myself. All the same, perhaps, you do well to marry Heron."
"Then you don't love me?" she burst out, with wounded pride.
"Love you?" he repeated, fiercely. "Heaven knows I love you than my own soul. But I am beginning to think that I am not a fit husband for you. My position is so insecure, my nerves are in such a wretched state. Then again, your father may object. Indeed, I think he will."
"Why not ask him before you make so certain?" cried the girl, eagerly.
"I will do so to-night, but I tell you frankly, I am prepared for a refusal."
"Oh, no, there will be no refusal. I am sure he will not put any bar between us. Dear Neil, do you not took so sad. I am certain all will be well, and we shall be married sooner than you think."
"Well, it all depends upon your father."
"Indeed, it al depends upon me." Then she rose from the piano. "If you were a true lover, Neil, you would not make all these objections. If you do not care for me I shall marry Mr. Heron."
"Ah! you like him, then?" cried the young man with a pang.
"I like him, but I--love you!" whispered Ruth, and dropping a kiss on his forehead she fled away before he could stop her.