me—say I shall go with you. I ask nothing more. Do not fear for my nerves—cowardice is gone. I will not shame you,—I will not play the woman. I know what is due to one who loves him—try me, only try me. You weep, father, you shake your head—but you, Eugene—you have not the heart to deny me? Think—think if I stayed here to count the moments till you return, my very sense would leave me. What do I ask?—but to go with you, to be the first to hail your triumph! Had this happened two hours hence, you could not have said me nay—I should have claimed the right to be with you, I now but implore the blessing—You relent—you relent, I see it!"
"Oh God!" exclaimed Aram rising, and clasping her to his breast, and wildly kissing her face, but with cold and trembling lips,—"This is, indeed, a bitter hour, let me not sink beneath it. Yes, Madeline, ask your father if he consents;—I hail your strengthening presence as that of an
