"Miss Hyland," said I, "I am going in search of a fortune--a fortune
that must be obtained by hard toil; but that toil shall be sweetened by
hope--the hope of seeing _you_ again. We are both young; and the
knowledge of that gives me encouragement to hope. I shall not now speak
to you of love; but I shall do so on my return. I believe that we are
friends; but I wish to make myself worthy of something more than your
friendship."
I fancied that Lenore understood me. I cannot describe the exquisite
pleasure that thrilled me, as I noted the expression of her features
while she stood listening. It did not forbid me to hope.
"I will not try to detain you, Rowland," she answered, "but if you are
unsuccessful abroad, do not remain long away. Return to us; and you
will find those who can sympathise with your disappointments. I shall
pray that no harm may befall you; and that we may soon meet again."
I could perceive her bosom trembling with some strong emotion, as she
uttered these parting words.
As I took her hand to bid the final "good bye," we were both unable to
speak; and we parted in silence.
The memory of that parting cheered me through many a dark and stormy
hour of my after life.
Volume One, Chapter XVI.