I suspected this.
You misunderstand my paternal counsel in suggesting to you a suspicionative exemplification of dear little Reddy.

Darling child! she is very good; but remember that we cannot always control our feelings." Verty raised his head, inquiringly.
"You do not understand ?" "No, ma'am," he said; "I mean, Miss--" "No matter--you'll get into the habit," said the lady, with a languishing smile; "I meant to observe, my dear friend, that Reddy might be very good, and I suppose she is--and she might have had a great and instructive affection for you at one period; but you know we cannot control our sentiments, and Reddy has probably fancied herself in love with somebody else." Verty started, and half rose.
"In love with somebody else ?" he cried.
"Yes," said the lady, smiling.
"Oh, no, no!" murmured the young man, falling again into his seat.
Miss Sallianna nodded.
"Mind now--I do not assert it," she said; "I only say that these children--I mean young girls at Reddy's age--are very apt to take fancies; and then they get tired of the youths they have known well, and will hardly speak to them.

Human nature is of derisive and touching interest, Mr.Verty," sighed the lady, "you must not expect to find Reddy an exception.

She is not perfect." "Oh yes, she is!" murmured poor Verty, thinking of Redbud's dreadful change, and yet battling for her to the last with the loyal extravagance of a true lover; "she would not--she could not--deceive me." "I do not say she would." "But--" "I know what you are about to observe, sir; but, remember that the heart is not in our power entirely"-- here Miss Sallianna sighed, and threw a languishing glance upon Verty.

"No doubt Reddy loved you; indeed, at the risk of deeming to flatter you, Mr.Verty--though I never flatter--I must say, that it would have been very extraordinary if Reddy had _not_ fallen in love with you, as you are so smart and handsome.