“Indeed it is not a figure at all, you sweet, brown-eyed fay. I did not sleep a wink last night for wretchedness of mind.”
“And all for nothing, Geoff.”
“It was the fear of losing you, my darling. When I saw you so admired in these very rooms last night, I said to myself, ‘some one else will win her before I shall have any right to speak so,’ after lying awake all night, I desperately resolved to make a clean breast of everything to Uncle August. If he had told me he was unwilling to give you to me I should never have come to Brooklyn again.”
“Geoffrey,” cried Gladys, clinging to him, “you would not have left us like that.”
“I should, dear,” he answered, firmly; “I could not have remained in the same house with you and know that I must never, by either word or look, reveal the love I bear you. But all that is past. Uncle August seems even happy in the prospect of our union. You love me—you are sure you love me well enough, Gladys, to become my wife, with no regret for—anything?” he pleaded, bending to look searchingly into her eyes.
“Yes, I am sure, Geoffrey. I have never tried to analyze the affection which I have always cherished for you, but I know, now, that it has not been of that calm nature which a sister would feel for her brother. I have been happier at your coming, I have been lonely and have drooped whenever you went from home, and I can understand now why it has been so,” Gladys answered, dropping her head again upon her lover’s breast.
“My own darling! How wonderful it is that this priceless boon should be granted me to crown all the other good gifts that I have received,” he said, in a thrilling voice; then added: “But, Gladys, I must remind you, as I have already reminded your father, that you will have to become the wife of a nameless man. Will that never trouble you?”
“Surely, the name that my father has bestowed upon you will do very well, will it not?”
“That was just what he also said, dear; but will the mystery that enshrouds me never make you uncomfortable or unhappy?”
“No; I am well content with you just as you are.”