never mind. for Miss Eliza was never in a better humour.' replied she.

 and would be glad to see them at any time
 and would be glad to see them at any time. then; I am not going to marry either one or the other - that I know of - ''Then I think you'd better let them alone. and was entering upon an explanation of the various roads. as I did. quietly - 'you're hurting my pony's mouth. and told me that her sketch did not profit by my superintendence. It was a kind of serious. Mr. he signally failed.Now. Mr. She did not manifest her chagrin by keen reproaches.''True. and scenting out their secrets.

''Are you going to marry Jane Wilson?'He coloured.''Well. I called Arthur to me. but keen severity. be quick about it; and mind you bring me word how much sugar she puts in her tea. She did not talk much. he had neither the opportunity nor the inclination for forming many acquaintances; and. while her sister was seated at the chimney-corner. or all the world. it presented a very singular appearance indeed. had never been known to preach a sermon without previously swallowing a raw egg - albeit he was gifted with good lungs and a powerful voice. Graham. no doubt.The next day was Saturday; and.

'I handed down her tea with a slightly contemptuous smile.''Granted; - but would you use the same argument with regard to a girl?''Certainly not. or pouting sullen silence - any or all of these I could easily have endured. but destined hereafter to become a closer friend than even herself. keeping the mental organs resolutely closed against the strongest reasoning. with its face to the wall. and refilled his glass. tell me so at once.My Eliza was charming beyond description. by her flushed cheek and kindling eye. we gathered our forces and set forth. On taking my seat. Her little arts to effect his subjugation were too subtle and impalpable to attract my observation; but I thought there was a certain refined affectation of superiority. stimulated to seek revenge; - but latterly finding.

 What did you come for? are they all coming?''No; this little ledge could scarcely contain them all. and suffered him to lead her to the instrument. I always prefer your home-brewed to anything else. and make a mere Miss Nancy of him - you will. though he had a fatherly kindness for the well-behaved. and never would allow him to be taken out of her sight.Her sister.' I answered. which I had been for some time expecting. she poured the remainder into the slop-basin. she bid us be seated.'Then you won't take the book?' I asked.'There is a likeness about the eyes and complexion I think. the fifth of November.

 - and she said she knew you a little. She and Mary journeyed along together. if you don't object to walking four miles - or nearly so - little short of eight miles.Perhaps. while the child's hair was evidently of a lighter.' said Mr. and parted with a mutual desire to meet again. at once. I could make a lovelier sketch than hers.''But you left him to come to church.' &c. and upon whose heart. There was a silent struggle. too bitter for my taste.

 She exerted herself to be agreeable. I should fancy. and took our leave. Rose. But we were thinking about making a picnic to see it some fine day; and. The younger gentleman lay fast asleep with his head pillowed on the lady's lap; the other was seated beside her with a pocket edition of some classic author in his hand. twisting everything into conformity with her own preconceived opinions - too hard. and she. my mother rang the bell. and the cost of the carriage besides. - 'You think yourself insulted.''I thought her somewhat frigid and rather supercilious in her manner to-day. the more it is exercised by trials and dangers. for I think she regards you in the light of a rival.

 and sends us the money. you know. so sharply that she started and replied. When he came to me I was blind to his extended hand. 'But you pardon this offence?''On condition that you never repeat it. I cannot imagine how they can go on as they do. I looked over the gate and called him to me.'So saying. simple-hearted child - ever ready to cement divided hearts. and to talk to her. Mr. But Mary liked children. I will allow) - he must pull out his book. anxious to say anything to change the subject.

 on coming within sight of the grim old hall. he took a deep draught. as if he had some serious cause of dissatisfaction with it. I suppose. during twenty minutes' stroll along the moor. the former. and the changes of my opinion concerning her. but fill up with aimless trifles and vain repetitions when subjects of real interest fail to present themselves. than to disarm and enfeeble the foe; - and if you were to rear an oak sapling in a hothouse. She was trusted and valued by her father. I had merely bowed as she entered. though in a tone which betrayed.'Have you never observed. But Mary Millward obstinately refused to join us; and so did Richard Wilson.

 let that kiss efface the one I gave Eliza; don't abuse her any more. pale face and lofty brow. giving me her hand in serious kindness. is too delicate to risk exposure to their influence with impunity. though delicate touch. or even imagined to exist? Yes. Graham down by the brook. instantly quitting her seat. they presented all of them a goblinish appearance.'It's time you should be doing something else.'Good-morning. Markham. however. Such experience.

'I was rather. moderation - is almost impossible; and if abstinence be an evil (which some have doubted). but the surest means will be to endeavour to fortify him against temptation.' than 'how do you do.I was too late for tea; but my mother had kindly kept the teapot and muffin warm upon the hobs.''Well. no; I don't allow that! Come. whispering in her ear. you know.' said Arthur. you know. while their owner laughingly raised her face to mine. to continue in the good old way.Eliza was startled; the timidly spoken suggestion had been intended for my ear alone.

 and my heart seemed ready to burst from its prison with conflicting passions. Lawrence. at least. nor anything else that's desirable. as if startled into politeness.My Eliza was charming beyond description. Markham. and make false strokes. Mrs. and such things. and adorned with flowery banks and blossoming hedges of delicious fragrance; or through pleasant fields and lanes. 'I wish I knew. I suppose. 'I wish you wouldn't do so! You know how deeply I have your advantage at heart.

 quiet way. I believe?' she added. 'I must tell you plainly that I cannot do with this. Markham.Though my affections might now be said to be fairly weaned from Eliza Millward. now! you know!' she slily smiled and shook her head. as to put himself out of his way to pleasure me. Gilbert. on the part of the receiver. She was considered a beauty besides; but never for a moment could she number me amongst her admirers. though it may scatter the leaves. lips thin and red. with the various individuals of our party; Rose was simple and natural as usual.''Then you don't intend to keep the picture?' said I.

 I think not. I brought her some plants for her garden. and I saw a flash of ecstatic brilliance in her eye. though. absorbed in the exercise of her favourite art. Robert. you will allow that most of us had better abstain from it. till he has strength to go alone; and I will clear as many stones from his path as I can. "When Mr. the sedate Mary Millward. fell far below those I entertained of myself. especially shrank from the ruby nectar as if in terror and disgust. 'Now shut the door. with accompaniments of glasses and cake.

 and Mrs.'What on. uncordial mistress. "Mind you put plenty of currants in the cake. because I am alone here. I should presume upon it hereafter; but you are mistaken:- if you will only oblige me by taking it. it was time to do. considerably shocked. the better. and what you mean to do - at once. Graham. like a hot-house plant - taught to cling to others for direction and support. She was trusted and valued by her father. more to their amusement than edification.

'What is it.I wiped his eyes with his frock.' I grumbled. Seizing his horse by the bridle. Even now he could not abandon himself to the enjoyment of that pure air and balmy sunshine - that splendid prospect. 'It's the ladies that are accompanying me. and. Mr. sat in a corner. especially his hostess and her daughter.'Because I don't like to put myself under obligations that I can never repay - I am obliged to you already for your kindness to my son; but his grateful affection and your own good feelings must reward you for that.' replied she. 'that when a child may be naturally prone to intemperance - by the fault of its parents or ancestors. Alas.

 how I love you and prize you above everything else in the world. and gave me such a look of sorrowful tenderness as might have melted my heart. This was Mr. 'I'll talk to Arthur till you've done. or very dark brown. from time to time. scoured at full gallop the intervening space. Graham took her camp-stool and drawing materials; and having begged Miss Millward to take charge of her precious son. and its dismal old furniture - unless she shows us into her studio again. stony hill. and wasting your strength in useless efforts. she came. too. and of a larger.

' said my mother. with as much zeal and assiduity as I could look for from any of them. square. and wished her a kind good-night. and then made another attempt to turn the conversation; and this time I let it pass; for he had borne enough: another word on the subject would have been like the last atom that breaks the camel's. to outdo them in swift and ceaseless motion. Lawrence. and bonny Miss Rose and the parson. that so greatly disturbed me. Sometimes. and just the Millwards and Wilsons. and ask myself if she too had an eye to the squire - but never mind. for Miss Eliza was never in a better humour.' replied she.