Charles was at last able to express his feelings.

"Yes, Eugenie; my soul would be small indeed if I did not accept. And

yet,--gift for gift, confidence for confidence."

"What do you mean?" she said, frightened.

"Listen, dear cousin; I have here--" He interrupted himself to point

out a square box covered with an outer case of leather which was on

the drawers. "There," he continued, "is something as precious to me as

life itself. This box was a present from my mother. All day I have