CHAPTER XII.
VALENTINE.
"If he had known where he was going to fall, he could have put down straw."-- _Russian Proverb._ Laura wrote with difficulty an answer to Lizzy Grant's letter.

It is easier for the sister to say, "My brother is a dishonourable young fellow, and has behaved shamefully," than for the friend to answer without offence, "I quite agree with you." But the next letter made matters in some degree easier, for it at least showed the direction that his family gave to the excuses they now offered for the behaviour of the young scapegrace.

First, he had been very unwell in London--almost seriously unwell; and next, Lizzy said she had been quite right as to St.George's love for Dorothea, for he had made her an offer before she left the house.
"In fact," continued Liz, "we have all decided, so far as we can, to overlook what Val has done, for he is deeply attached to the girl who, without any fault of her own, has supplanted Dorothea.

He is already engaged to her, and if he is allowed to marry her early in the spring, and sail for New Zealand, he is not likely ever to return; at any rate, he will not for very many years.

In that case, you know, Laura, we shall only be with him about six weeks longer; so I hope our friends will forgive us for forgiving him." "They are fond of him, that is the fact," observed Mrs.Melcombe; "and to be sure the other brother, wanting to marry Miss Graham, does seem to make some difference, some excuse; but as to his illness, I don't think much of that.