I am the most obscure creature in the world."
"Not one degree less dear to me because of that, Marian; only the dearer.
Tell me, my darling, is there any hope for me?"
"I never thought----" she faltered; "I had no idea----"
"That to know you was to love you. My life and soul, I have loved you
from the hour I first saw you in Lidford church. I was a doomed man from
that moment, Marian. O my dearest, trust me, and it shall go hard if I do
not make your future life a happy one. Granted that I am ten years--more
than ten years--your senior, that is a difference on the right side. I
have fought the battle of life, and have conquered, and am strong enough
to protect and shelter the woman I love. Come, Marian, I am waiting for a
word of hope."
"And do you really love me?" she asked wonderingly. "It seems so strange
after so short a time."
"I loved you from that first evening in the church, my dear."
"I am very grateful to you," she said slowly, "and I am proud--I have
reason to be proud--of your preference. But I have known you such a short
time. I am afraid to give you any promise."
"Afraid of me, or of yourself, Marian?"
"Of myself."
"In what way?"
"I am only a foolish frivolous girl. You offer me so much more than I
deserve in offering me your love like this. I scarcely know if I have a
heart to give to any one.
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