“‘I wonder if any other man ever will press this little hand against his heart, and call it his?’
“She instantly withdrew it with a sudden jerk, as if an insect had stung her, and then fixing her expressive eyes on me with a reproachful look, said:
“‘I declare, we must go to the house now; mother does not like to keep tea waiting for any one.’
“‘She will excuse you when you inform her that I was making my farewell visit; who knows that we ever shall meet again in this world?’
“Once more she turned her face away and gazed on the ground.
“‘Lottie, here is a beautiful diamond ring I want you to wear; it will prevent you from entirely forgetting the one who has always loved you.’
“As I uttered those words in a trembling tone, I took her hand and slipped the ring on her finger, which she did not resist, nor did she give any signs of assent; in fact, she did not seem to notice what I was saying or doing; but I could see that she was deeply moved with excitement, as her body was trembling violently.
“‘Lottie, will you write me a letter occasionally when I am far away from the one I love so dearly?’
“‘Yes, Edward, I will answer all your letters.’
“After I had placed the ring on her finger, I again pressed her trembling hand against my heart.