peace of mind. I cannot say that I loved her in the
usual acceptation of the term, adoration would better express what I
felt. She was so pure, so perfect, such a model of female perfection,
that I looked up to her with a reverence which almost quelled any
feeling of love. I felt that she was above me, and that, with her
wealth, it would be madness for one in my present position to aspire
to her. Yet with this feeling I would have sacrificed all my hopes and
present advantages to have obtained her approving smile. It is not,
therefore, to be wondered at that I risked Mr. Trevannion's
displeasure to gain her approbation; and when I resumed my seat at my
desk, and thought of what had passed, I made up my mind to be once
more an outcast in the world rather than swerve from the promise which
I had made to her. I knew Mr. Trevannion to be a very decided man,
and hasty when offended. That he was seriously offended with me there
was no doubt. I found that he had quitted the house immediately after
he had left the room. I had hoped that he had gone to his daughter's
apartments, and that a conversation with her might have produced a
good effect; but such was not the case.

In about half an hour Mr. Trevannion returned, and as he walked into
the back room adjoining the counting-house, he desired me to follow
him; I did so: "Mr. Elrington," said he, sitting down, and leaving me
standing at the table, "I fear, after what has passed that we shall
not continue on good terms. You have reproached me, an old man, with
carrying on an unlawful business; in short, in raising your own
scruples and talking of your own conscience, you have implied that I
am acting contrary to what conscience should dictate. In short, you
have told me, by implication, that I am not an honest man. You have
thrown back in my face my liberal offer. My wish to oblige you has
been treated not only with indifference, but I may add with contumely;
and that merely because you have formed some absurd notions of right
and wrong in which you will find no one to agree with you, except,
perhaps, priests and women. I wish you well, Mr. Elrington,
nevertheless. I am truly sorry for your infatuation, and wished to
have served you, but you will not be assisted by me."

Here Mr. Trevannion paused, but I made no reply. After a time, wiping
the perspiration from his forehead with his handkerchief, for he
evidently was in a state of great excitement he continued:

"As you do n