but of them I knew nothing, except from the payment of the
rents. What surprised me much was, that a man of Mr. Trevannion's
wealth, having but one child to provide for, should not retire from
business--and I once made the remark to his daughter. Her reply was:
"I thought as you do once, but now I think differently. When I have
been on a visit with my father, and he has stayed away for several
weeks, you have no idea how restless and uneasy he has become from
want of occupation. It has become his habit, and habit is second
nature. It is not from a wish to accumulate that he continues at the
counting-house, but because he cannot be happy without employment. I,
therefore, do not any longer persuade him to leave off, as I am
convinced that it would be persuading him to be unhappy. Until you
came, I think the fatigue was too great for him; but you have, as he
apprizes me, relieved him of the heaviest portion of the labour, and I
hardly need say that I am rejoiced that you have so done."

"It certainly is not that he requires to make money, Miss Trevannion;
and, as he is so liberal in every thing, I must credit what you
assert, that it is the dislike to having no employment which induces
him to continue in business. It has not yet become such a habit in
me," continued I, smiling; "I think I could leave it off with great
pleasure."

"But is not that because you have not yet recovered from your former
habits, which were so at variance with a quiet and a sedentary life?"
replied she.

"I fear it is so," said I, "and, I believe, of all habits, those of a
vagrant are the most difficult to overcome. You used to laugh at me
the first few months that I was here. I presume that I am a little
improved, as I have not been attacked lately?"

"My father says so, and is much pleased with you, Mr. Elrington, if my
telling you so gives you any satisfaction."

"Certainly it does, because I wish to please him."

"And me, too, I hope?"

"Yes, most truly, Miss Trevannion; I only wish I had it in my power to
show how much I study your good opinion."

"Will you risk my father's displeasure for it?" replied she, looking
at me fixedly.

"Yes, I will, provided--"

"Oh! there is a proviso already."

"I grant that there should not have been any, as I am sure that you
would not ask me to do any thing which is wrong. And my proviso was,
that I did not undertake what my conscience did not approve."

"Your proviso was good, Mr. Elrington,