"Could you decide now?" asked the missionary. The inquiry was put in gentle tones: he drew me to him as gently. Oh，that gentleness! how far more potent is it than force! I could resist St. John"s wrath: I grew pliant as a reed under his kindness. Yet I knew all the time，if I yielded now，I should not the less be made to repent，some day，of my former rebellion. His nature was not changed by one hour of solemn prayer: it was only elevated.

"I could decide if I were but certain," I answered: "were I but convinced that it is God"s will I should marry you，I could vow to marry you here and now- e afterwards what would!"

"My prayers are heard!" ejaculated St. John. He pressed his hand firmer on my head，as if he claimed me: he surrounded me with his arm，almost as if he loved me (I say almost- I knew the difference- for I had felt what it was to be loved; but，like him，I had now put love out of the question，and thought only of duty). I contended with my inward dimness of vision，before which clouds yet rolled. I sincerely，deeply，fervently longed to do what was right; and only that. "Show me，show me the path!" I entreated of Heaven. I was excited more than I had ever been; and whether what followed was the effect of excitement the reader shall judge.

All the house was still; for I believe all，except St. John and myself，were now retired to rest. The one candle was dying out: the room was full of moonlight. My heart beat fast and thick: I heard its throb. Suddenly it stood still to an inexpressible feeling that thrilled it through，and passed at once to my head and extremities.