The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenue.
521
" I am waiting to hear your story," she at last ventured
to remark ; " I hope it will be extremely interesting !"
" What is personal is always interesting," rejoined
Richard with a sigh of relief, and not unpleased at his
power of repartee the strange situation was bringing to light.
Miss Somerton did not reply, but as they entered a
more secluded part of the little valley, she slowed her foot-
steps.
" I say. Miss Somerton," he began nervously, and there
ensued an awkward pause.
Miss Somerton was looking away in the other direction,
her face pale, and her mouth hard set.
"My story is easily told—that is, it's not easily told
because it is extremely brief, you see."
"Well," she said, checking a smile at his confusion.
" I love you !" he almost gasped, sinking, like a knight
of old, upon his knees and seizing her hand, which, for a
second only, she permitted to rest in his—for a second
only, but it had been kissed, and a thrill seemed to pass
through her frame, v/hile the pallor of her face deepened.
It was a terrible trial this game at love-making.
"Answer me. Miss Somerton— Julia. Will you permit
me to love you ? Can you give me a ray of hope ? At
least say what I have told you is not repulsive to you," he
pleaded.
She turned her back upon his kneeling figure, and
made no answer,
" Miss Somerton, do speak ; say at least you will think
over what I have said—of my great love for you, which you
must have seen ; did you not see that I loved you ?"
" Rise up," she commanded, turning abruptly upon him.
" Now answer me truthfully, Richard Stuart, is it true or is
it not, that you are engaged to Miss Flora, who lives under
your father's roof?"
Richard clenched his hands and bent his head under
her keen gaze. The question had not been premeditated,
and as it flashed upon her, she experienced a great sense of