As they stood
regarding each other with troubled eyes, the embankment of his
prudence gave way, and the stored passion broke out.
"You don't _mean_ you would like to see me married, Letty?"
he groaned.
"Yes, indeed, I do, Cousin Godfrey! You would make such a lovely
husband!"
"Ah! I thought as much! I knew you never cared for me, Letty!"
He dropped her hands, and turned half aside, like a figure warped
with fire.
"I care for you more than anybody in the world--except, perhaps,
Mary," said Letty: truthfulness was a part of her.
"And I care for you more than all the world!--more than very
being--it is worthless without you. O Letty! your eyes haunt me
night and day! I love you with my whole soul."
"How kind of you, Cousin Godfrey!" faltered Letty, trembling, and
not knowing what she said. She was very frightened, but hardly
knew why, for the idea of Godfrey in love with her was all but
inconceivable. Nevertheless, its approach was terrible. Like a
fascinated bird she could not take her eyes off his face. Her
knees began to fail her; it was all she could do to stand. But
Godfrey was full of himself, and had not the most shadowy
suspicion of how she felt. He took her emotion for a favorable
sign, and stupidly went on:
"Letty, I can't help it! I know I oughtn't to speak to you like
this--so soon, but I can't keep quiet any longer.
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