Nell of Shorne Mills

Her hands unclasped and went with a swift motion to her eyes, and

covered them. His heart sank with a sudden dread. She was not only

frightened; she did not care for him--or was it because she did not

know? She was so young, so girlish, so innocent!

"Forgive me--forgive me!" he pleaded, and he ventured to touch her arm.

"I have--startled you; you did not expect--it was unfair to bring you

here. But I can't take it back. I love you with all my heart and soul.

See, Nell--you will let me call you that? It's the name I love above all

others--the name I think of you by. I--I won't harass you. You--you

shall have time to think. I will go away for--for a few days--and you

shall think over----No, no!" he broke off, springing to his feet and

bending over her with a sudden passion which swept all before it. "I

can't go. I can't leave you again, unless--unless I go forever. I must

have your answer now--now! Speak to me, Nell. 'Yes' or 'No'?"

He drew her hands from her face as she rose, and her eyes were lifted

and met his. Love's sweet surrender shone in them; and, with a cry of

wonder and joy, he caught her to him.

"Nell, Nell!" was all that he could say. "Is it true? You--you love me,

Nell?"

She hid her face on his breast, and her hands trembled on his shoulders.

"Yes--yes," she breathed, almost inaudibly. Then: "Do I?"