“Upon my soul it is,” — was his answer, with a warmth which brought all the former Willoughby to her remembrance, and in spite of herself made her think him sincere.

“If that is all, you may be satisfied already, — for Marianne DOES — she has LONG forgiven you.”

“Has she?” — he cried, in the same eager tone. — “Then she has forgiven me before she ought to have done it.

But she shall forgive me again, and on more reasonable grounds. — NOW will you listen to me?”

Elinor bowed her assent.

“I do not know,” said he, after a pause of expectation on her side, and thoughtfulness on his own, — ”how