CiIO
WYLDER'S H.iJVD.
quite desperately, I think. I know there are things
against me — there are better-looking fellows than I —
and — and a great many things — and I know very well
that you will judge for yourself— quite differently from
other girls; and I can't say with what fear and hope I
await what you may say; but this you may be sure of,
you will never find anyone to love you better, Rachel —
I think so well — and — and now — that is all. Do you
think you could ever like me?"
But Rachel's hand, on a sudden, with a slight quiver,
was drawn from his.
"Lord Chelford, I can't describe how grateful I am,
and how astonished, but it could never be — no — nev-
er."
"Rachel, perhaps you mean my mother — I have told
her everything—she will receive you with all the respect
you so well deserve; and with all her faults, she loves
me, and will love you still more."
"No, Lord Chelford, no." She was pale now, and
looking very sadly in his eyes. "It is not that, but only
that you must never, never speak of it again."
"Oh! Rachel, darling, you must not say that— I love
you so— so desperately, you don't know."
"I can say nothing else, Lord Chelford. My mind
is quite made up — I am inexpressibly grateful — you will
never know how grateful — but except as a friend — and
won't you still be my friend ? — I never can regard you."
Rachel was so pale that her very lips were white as she
spoke this in a melancholy but very firm way.
"Oh, Rachel, it is a great blow — maybe if you thought
it over ! — I'll wait any time."
"No, Lord Chelford, I'm quite unworthy of your pre-
ference; but time cannot change me — and I am speak-
ing, not from impulse, but conviction. This is our secret