Co) 
86 THE LADY PILGRIM. 
that dreadful hour of peril," said the Lady Ara- 
bella, her sweet eyes filling with tears as she 
spoke. " The Duke of Devonshire and Mr. John- 
son will ever live in my liveliest remembrance." 
" Mr. Johnson ! " said the earl, lowering his 
heavy eyebrows as he spoke. "Pray, to what 
Mr. Johnson are we indebted ? and why have I 
never been informed of it before ? " 
" Isaac Johnson, dear father. The subject is a 
painful one, and has never been adverted to since. 
My lord, the Duke of Devonshire, though he claim 
not thanks, will ever be the possessor of my grati- 
tude." 
As she spoke, she bowed towards the seat the 
duke had resumed during the conversation. 
" I claim not gratitude, noble lady, for any service 
rendered," said the duke, rising and approaching 
her ; " but there is a sentiment akin to that which 
I would give worlds on worlds to possess, were 
they mine. I mean your love. '^ 
As he spoke, he took her hand, and kneeled at 
her feet. The flush came and went upon the 
cheek of the noble lady ; and her hand trembled 
slightly in the palm which enclosed it ; but there 
were no heart flutterings ; her cheek, after a few 
moments, resumed its steady color, and the nerves 
grew firm, while in a soft and gentle voice she 
made rdply. 
" My warmest, best gratitude, noble duke, is 
yours my love is irrevocably bestowed upon 
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