It caught and
hesitated. "I guessed as much, I think," she answered, low but
frankly.
The young man's heart gave a bound. "And YOU, Herminia?" he asked,
in an eager ecstasy.
Herminia was true to the Truth. "I've thought a great deal about
you too, Mr. Merrick," she answered, looking down, but with a great
gladness thrilling her.
"I said 'Herminia,'" the young man repeated, with a marked stress
on the Christian name.
Herminia hesitated a second. Then two crimson spots flared forth
on her speaking face, as she answered with an effort, "About you
too, Alan."
The young man drew back and gazed at her.
She was very, very beautiful. "Dare I ask you, Herminia?" he cried.
"Have I a right to ask you? Am I worthy of you, I mean? Ought I to
retire as not your peer, and leave you to some man who could rise
more easily to the height of your dignity?"
"I've thought about that too," Herminia answered, still firm to her
principles. "I've thought it all over. I've said to myself, Shall
I do right in monopolizing him, when he is so great, and sweet, and
true, and generous? Not monopolizing, of course, for that would be
wrong and selfish; but making you my own more than any other
woman's.
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