. Arthur Bonnicastle; . than of any other flower I know. <Well, I responded, Im a man, or a boy—^just whichyou choose—and dont pretend to be a water-lily, though Iwish my roots were as safely anchored and my life as purelysurrounded and protected. I beUeve that maidenhood mo-nopolizes all the lilies for its various impersonations, but forthe present purpose, I should really like to ask you if youare willing to take the water-lily for the one flower of yourlife, with all its secrets which you claim to understand so fully. Charmingly done, she said—for a boy. You taunt me. No, Arthur, she res
. Arthur Bonnicastle; . than of any other flower I know. <Well, I responded, Im a man, or a boy—^just whichyou choose—and dont pretend to be a water-lily, though Iwish my roots were as safely anchored and my life as purelysurrounded and protected. I beUeve that maidenhood mo-nopolizes all the lilies for its various impersonations, but forthe present purpose, I should really like to ask you if youare willing to take the water-lily for the one flower of yourlife, with all its secrets which you claim to understand so fully. Charmingly done, she said—for a boy. You taunt me. No, Arthur, she responded, but you really are hurryingthings so. Just think of trying to settle everything in fiveminutes, and think, too, of the inconvenience of this littleboat. You cannot get upon your knees without upsettingus, and then you know I might be compelled to adopt a water-lily. Particularly if the lily should save your life. Yes. Suppose we go ashore. Not for the world. Ah! Millie, I think I know your secret, I I Arthur Bonnicastle, ? 377 It isnt hard to discover. Well, then lets not talk in riddles any more. I love youmore than life, Millie ! may I continue to love you ? She paused, and I saw tears upon her face, glittering in themoonlight. * Yes, she said, always. Thank you ! thank God! I said with a hearty impulse. Life is all bright to me now, and all full of promise. Iwish I could come to you and close this business in the goodold orthodox fashion. She laughed at my vexation, and counseled patience. There is something very provoking about the coolness of awoman under circumstances like those in which I foundmyself For many days I had permitted myself to be wroughtinto an exalted state of feeling. Indeed, I had been musteringstrength for this interview during all the time I had lived inthe camp. I was prepared to make a thousand protestationsof everlasting devotion. I was ready to cast at her feet myhopes, my life, my all; yet she had anticipated everything, andman
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