"And would it compel me to leave you?"

"No; it would compel you to be with me always."

"And have you so little faith in me as to call that a sacrifice? I
did flatter myself that you believed what I told you just now."

"But, Paul, you do not know me. Wait until you do. Then, perhaps, you
will change your mind."

She spoke with emphasis and a strange depth of feeling, and he
wondered what she meant.

"I could never change, Dorothy," he replied with fervor, "unless you
wished it; but if you did, do you know I believe it would not be in
your power to reverse the bewildering spell you have wrought, and
make me hate you, for never before have I felt anything approaching
this strange sudden infatuation. But do not keep me in suspense; tell
me, I pray, what is this mystery in your life which you think would
change my feelings toward you?"

"I belong nowhere. I have no friend in all the wide world," she
answered bitterly.

"You have forgotten Ah Ben," suggested Paul. She did not answer, but
continued stroking the parrot which had lighted upon her shoulder,
demanding her caresses with numerous mutterings.

"Modesty prevents my reminding you of my humble aspirations to your