'I am as sure of the faithfulness of my own heart as I am that I am standing here; young as I am, I know I love her as you loved my mother.'
His father covered his face with his hand.
'No, no; do not say that, Cardie.'
'I must say what is true; you would not have me lie to you.'
'Surely not; but, my boy, this is a hard hearing.'
'You are thinking of Mr. Trelawny,' returned Richard, quietly; 'that is not my worst fear; my chief obstacle is Ethel herself.'
'What! you doubt her returning your affection?' asked his father.
'Yes, I doubt it,' was the truthful answer; but it was made with quivering lips. 'I dread lest I should not satisfy her exacting fastidiousness; but all the same I mean to try; you will bid me Godspeed, father?'
'Yes, yes; but, Cardie, be prudent, remember how little you have to offer—a few hundreds a year where she has thousands, not even a curacy!'
'You think I ought to wait a little; another year—two perhaps?'