Will you not let me thank you for that, instead of asking more ?" "No, little fairy, I will do no such thing, for I only spoke the truth, and that, Emmeline, 'was but my _duty_,' and demands no thanks or praise whatever; and as I have selected my friend Myrvin to supply the place of my late vicar, who was promoted last week to a better living, to see everything prepared for his comfort, and that of his wife, is also mine." "Nay, spare me, dear St.Eval; I will plead guilty of not giving Arthur his due, if you will promise me not always to torment me with duty.

I was unjust and unkind." "No, dearest Emmy, you were neither unjust nor unkind; you only said one thing and meant another, and as _I_ know _why_ you did so, I forgive you." Mrs.Cameron's family and the other guests having departed, and only Mr.
Hamilton's own circle lingering in the drawing-room, some surprise was occasioned to all except Mrs.Hamilton and Percy, by Mr.Hamilton suddenly laying his hand gently on Herbert's shoulder, and saying earnestly, though somewhat playfully-- "One surprise and one cause for congratulation we might, I think, deem sufficient for _one_ evening, but I intend being the happy messenger of another event, which may chance to be even more surprising, and certainly not less joyful.

I beg you will all offer Mrs.Hamilton and myself your warmest congratulations, for the same day that gives us a new son will, I trust, bestow on us an other daughter.

This quiet young man intends taking unto himself a wife; and as it may be some little time ere we can bring her home from France, the best thing we can do is to anticipate two marriages in one day." "Herbert, my true English bred and English feeling cousin, marry a French woman, by my good sword, you shall not," said Edward, laughing, when the universal surprise and joy which this information had excited had somewhat subsided.

The eager question who was Herbert's choice, was asked by Caroline and Emmeline together.
"Fear nothing, Master Lieutenant," St.Eval said, ere Herbert could reply; "my wits, though a landsman, are not quite so blunt as yours, and I guess better than you do.