ecur to it again.
By what I have done for you, you may judge of what I will do--if it be
not incompatible with the higher duty I owe to my son (higher, because he
never forfeited his claims, and because I hope to do more good to him
than I can ever do to you); and if you wish me to feel kindly towards
you, it is deeds not words which must purchase my affection and esteem.'

His sole reply to this was a slight grimace, and a scarcely perceptible
shrug. Alas, unhappy man! words, with him, are so much cheaper than
deeds; it was as if I had said, 'Pounds, not pence, must buy the article
you want.' And then he sighed a querulous, self-commiserating sigh, as
if in pure regret that he, the loved and courted of so many worshippers,
should be now abandoned to the mercy of a harsh, exacting, cold-hearted
woman like that, and even glad of what kindness she chose to bestow.

'It's a pity, isn't it?' said I; and whether I rightly divined his
musings or not, the observation chimed in with his thoughts, for he
answered--'It can't be helped,' with a rueful smile at my penetration.

* * * * *

I have seen Esther Hargrave twice. She is a charming creature, but her
blithe spirit is almost broken, and her sweet temper almost spoiled, by
the still unremitting persecutions of her mother in behalf of her
rejected suitor--not violent, but wearisome and unremitting like a
continual dropping. The unnatural parent seems determined to make her
daughter's life a burden, if she will not yield to her desires.

'Mamma does all she can,' said she, 'to make me feel myself a burden and
incumbrance to the family, and the most ungrateful, selfish, and
undutiful daughter that ever was born; and Walter, too, is as stern and
cold and haughty as if he hated me outright. I believe I should have
yielded at once if I had known, from the beginning, how much resistance
would have cost me; but now, for very obstinacy's sake, I will stand
out!'

'A bad motive for a good resolve,' I answered. 'But, however, I know you
have better motives, really, for your perseverance: and I counsel you to
keep them still in view.'

'Trust me I will. I threaten mamma sometimes that I'll run away, and
disgrace the family by earning my own livelihood, if she torments me any
more; and then that frightens her a little. But I will do it, in good
earnest, if they don't mind.'

'Be quiet and patient a while,' said I, 'and better times will come