DEEPER AND DEEPER. 87

degraded being which my present life may seem to
foretell. But, Edward,” said she, fixing her large,
calm eyes upon him, “it must not be so; our
destinies, after all, are, in great measure, in our own
hands; a spirit within tells me So, and that spirit
shall be my guide,

“I have many lovers, but how few there are who
would marry such a one as me. I speak plainly,
Edward, for one of us must do 80; and as I have go
much more experience in life than you, and under-
stand you better even than you understand yourself, I
speak to you openly. You talk of marriage : what
nonsense it is of you, who are as yet a boy, and do
not know even your own mind! J believe that you
love me ; but as yet you do not understand me per-
fectly, for you have seen only that which is idle and
trifling in. me; but indeed I am capable of much that
is good and ennobling and valuable in life.”

* Oh, Jessie,” said the young man impatiently, and
ready to throw himself at her feet, “let us unite our
fates at once. 1 know what you are—TI wish you
not other than you are—let me rescue you from a
fate which is unworthy of you! My aunt is good.
When she knows your excellence she will love you
as a daughter: they love me, but how much more
will they love you!”

** All nonsense,” returned Jessie ; “ you talk like
a child, as you are; you, that dare not even let
them know of our acquaintance, to talk thus! No,
no; we must have patience, and wait for the true
time. You must wait for me for five years.”

“TI will go with you,” interrupted Williams ;
“ what is all the world to me without you! I know
that I, too, have talents—I would be prompter