I grieve for his disappointment, but I should not think I was doing either him or myself justice, to accept him merely on these considerations.

Herbert, I know, considers me romantic, and perhaps unkind towards his friend; but painful as such an idea is, I cannot act otherwise than I have done." "Do not let that idea, then, continue to give you pain, my dear girl; your manner towards Walter has never expressed more than kindness and friendly regard.

If I had seen anything like encouragement to him on your part, do you not think I should have called you to account long ago ?" she added, with a smile, as Ellen, much relieved, kissed her in silence.

"Our young folks have, I know sometimes in sport, allied your name with his, but I have generally checked them.

Walter I certainly did fancy admired you, but I did not imagine the feeling so decided as it has proved.