“‘In the first place, I do not intend to forsake her, for I love her as no man ever loved a woman before, and if she will wait for me, I will make a fortune as sure as my name is Harry Wallingford.’
“‘By the by, Harry, I have a little secret to tell you.’
“‘What is it, pray?’
“‘You know that Viola bought a little bottle of strychnine, and refused to tell why she purchased it?’
“‘I certainly do, and her refusal to tell why she bought it was the strongest evidence against her.’
“‘True enough; well, I can tell you all about it; she got it when you were very ill, and everybody thought you were going to die. She was preparing to commit suicide; and if you had died, she would not have survived you an hour.’
“‘Great Heavens! is that so?’
“‘It is; for Lottie pumped the secret out of her. Now you must be very cautious when you inform her of your intention to go to California.’
“‘If she will only trust me, and agree to wait for me, I will never forsake her; but let us walk back to the house, else we will be missed.’
“Time glided on, and Harry lingered by Viola’s side, strolling about the flower garden with her arm locked in his, and dreading to make his intentions known to her. Love was urging him to marry the girl of his choice, and be happy, while pride was making a desperate effort to separate him from his love.