There was, however, a degree of earnest entreaty in her manner, that Mr.Myrvin would not combat, and he expressed himself contented with her promise for the following year.

Mrs.Hamilton was not, however, quite so easily satisfied.

Ellen had been latterly so open with her, that anything like concealment in her conduct gave her some little uneasiness; but she could not withstand the imploring look of her niece, as she entreated her not to think her capricious and wilful; she was sure Mrs.Hamilton would approve of her reason, did she confess it.
"I am not quite so sure of that," was her aunt's smiling reply; "but, however, I will trust you, though I do not like mysteries," and the subject was dismissed.
The manners and conversation of Arthur Myrvin were such as to prepossess both Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton very much in his favour, and strengthened the opinion they had already formed concerning him, on the word of their son.

The respectful deference with which he ever treated Caroline and Emmeline often caused a laugh at his expense from Percy, but gratified Mrs.Hamilton; Percy declared he stood as much in awe of his sisters as if they were the highest ladies in the land.

Arthur bore his raillery with unruffled temper, but he felt the distance that fortune placed between him and those fair girls, and he hoped, by reserve, to lessen the danger that might in their society attack his peace.