"Yes, I am called away suddenly; must leave within the hour; a dear, only sister lies at the point of death."
His tones grew husky and her eyes filled with tears.
"Oh what sad news! I am so sorry for you!" she murmured.
He drew her hand within his arm and led her down a shaded alley.
"It is in your power to give me unspeakable comfort," he said, bending over her. "You wear my flowers; O dearest! is not that a whisper of hope to me? You have decided in my favor? is it not so?"
"O Charlie, don't ask me! I—I have not been able yet to see that—that I may—that I ought—"
"To follow the dictates of your heart? Is that what you would say?" he asked, as she broke off abruptly, leaving the sentence unfinished. "O Mildred! you cannot have the heart to refuse me this one crumb of comfort? We must part in a few moments—when to meet again neither of us knows. You have refused to pledge yourself to me, and I will not ask it now—though I solemnly promise you—"
"No, don't," she interrupted, struggling with her tears; "I would have you free—free as air; since I—I can promise nothing."
"I will never marry any one but you," he said with vehemence. "If I cannot win you, I will live single all my days. But you do care for me? You do love me? O Mildred! one word, only a word or a look, that I may not go away on my sorrowful errand in utter despair. Only assure me that I have won your heart, and I shall never abandon hope that this barrier may some day be removed."
She could not refuse him: she had not power to hide either her love or her grief that they must part; both had their way for a short space.