Cashel Byron's Profession

"Thank you: I am very comfortable here. I am staying on a visit with

Miss Carew."

Silence ensued; and he sat down slowly. Then she added, "I am

exceedingly glad that you have got something good at last. It must

be a great relief to your poor mother."

"I fancied, Alice--though it may have been only fancy--I fancied

that YOUR mother was colder than usual in her manner this morning. I

hope that the luxuries of this palatial mansion are powerless to

corrupt your heart. I cannot lead you to a castle and place crowds

of liveried servants at your beck and call; but I can make you

mistress of an honorable English home, independent of the bounty of

strangers. You can never be more than a lady, Alice."

"It is very good of you to lecture me, I am sure."

"You might be serious with me," he said, rising in ill-humor, and

walking a little way down the room.

"I think the offer of a man's hand ought to be received with

respect."

"Oh! I did not quite understand. I thought we agreed that you are

not to make me that offer every time we meet."

"It was equally understood that the subject was only deferred until

I should be in a position to resume it without binding you to a long

engagement. That time has come now; and I expect a favorable answer

at last. I am entitled to one, considering how patiently I have

waited for it."

"For my part, Wallace, I must say I do not think it wise for you to

think of marrying with only three hundred and fifty pounds a year."

"With a house: remember that; and coals and gas! You are becoming

very prudent, now that you live with Miss Whatshername here. I fear

you no longer love me, Alice."

"I never said I loved you at any time."

"Pshaw! You never said so, perhaps; but you always gave me to

understand that--"

"I did nothing of the sort, Wallace; and I won't have you say so."

"In short," he retorted, bitterly, "you think you will pick up some

swell here who will be a better bargain than I am."

"Wallace! How dare you?"

"You hurt my feelings, Alice, and I speak out. I know how to behave

myself quite as well as those who have the entree here; but when my

entire happiness is at stake I do not stand on punctilio. Therefore,

I insist on a straightforward answer to my fair, honorable

proposal."