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CHAPTER IV.

THE MASTER'S LOVE.

"Our lives most dear are never near,
 Our thoughts are never far apart,
 Though all that draws us heart to heart
Seems fainter now, and now more clear.

"To-night love claims his full control,
 And with desire and with regret
My soul this hour has drawn your soul
 A little nearer yet."

An admirable reticence distinguishes the Anglo-Saxon concerning the woman he loves. A Frenchman will talk you blind about his Julia's eyes, and ride about the world with the name of his lady-love forever on the tip of his tongue; but not even to Ben Holden did Jonathan talk much of his love for Sarah Benson. Yet it had become the sweetest part of his life. Without absolutely watching her, he was aware of all things which concerned her, and her presence and movements made upon him that impression which the most trifling facts connected with the person we love must make.

It was a fine night in the middle of January,

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