An involuntary shudder passed over both of us.

     "Yet I am afraid the dreadful truth is, Herbert, that he is attached to me, strongly attached to me. Was there ever such a fate!"

     "My poor dear Handel," Herbert repeated.

     "Then," said I, "after all, stopping short here, never taking another penny from him, think what I owe him already! Then again: I am heavily in debt,--very heavily for me, who have now no expectations,--and I have been bred to no calling, and I am fit for nothing."

     "Well, well, well!" Herbert remonstrated. "Don't say fit for nothing."

     "What am I fit for? I know only one thing that I am fit for, and that is, to go for a soldier. And I might have gone, my dear Herbert, but for the prospect of taking counsel with your friendship and affection."

     Of course I broke down there: and of course Herbert, beyond seizing a warm grip of my hand, pretended not to know it.