Man and Maid

And how I wonder what she is thinking about, there at Auteuil?

I went along into the room which is to be hers to-morrow, and I saw that

it was all arranged, except the flowers, which would come in fresh in

the morning. And then I hobbled back to my own room and rang for Burton.

The faithful creature waits for me no matter how late I am.

When I was safely in bed, he came over to me, and his dear old face

showed emotion.

"I do indeed wish you happiness, Sir Nicholas, to-morrow will be the

best day of my life."

We shook hands silently, and he left me, still writing in this journal!

I feel no excitement, rather as if another act in the drama of life was

ended, that is all, and that to-morrow I am starting upon a new one

which will decide whether the end of the play shall be tragedy or

content?