a letter as would make an
impression even upon a lover. But when he had come back to his study,
other reflections came to his aid. Though he might write the most
appropriate letter in the world, would there not certainly be a
reply? As to conviction, had he ever known an instance of a man
who had been convinced by an adversary? Of course there would be a
reply,--and replies. And to such a correspondence there would be
no visible end. Words when once written remain, or may remain, in
testimony for ever. So at last when the moment came he sent off those
three lines, with his uncourteous compliments and his demand that
there should be no further correspondence.

At dinner he endeavoured to make up for this harshness by increased
tenderness to his daughter, who was altogether ignorant of the
correspondence. "Have you written your letters, dear?" She said she
had written them.

"I hope the people will come."

"If it will make you comfortable, papa!"

"It is for your sake I wish them to be here. I think that Lady Mabel
and Miss Boncassen are just such girls as you would like."

"I do like them; only--"

"Only what?"

"Miss Boncassen is an American."

"Is that an objection? According to my ideas it is desirable to
become acquainted with persons of various nations. I have heard, no
doubt, many stories of the awkward manners displayed by American
ladies. If you look for them you may probably find American women who
are not polished. I do not think I shall calumniate my own country if
I say the same of English women. It should be our object to select
for our own acquaintances the best we can find of all countries. It
seems to me that Miss Boncassen is a young lady with whom any other
young lady might be glad to form an acquaintance."

This was a little sermon which Mary was quite contented to endure in
silence. She was, in truth, fond of the young American beauty, and
had felt a pleasure in the intimacy which the girl had proposed to
her. But she thought it inexpedient that Miss Boncassen, Lady Mabel,
and Silverbridge should be at Matching together. Therefore she made a
reply to her father's sermon which hardly seemed to go to the point
at issue. "She is so beautiful!" she said.

"Very beautiful," said the Duke. "But what has that to do with it?
My girl need not be jealous of any girl's beauty." Mary laughed and
shook her head. "What is it, then?"

"Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her."

"I have no doubt he wo