, he was almost weary of himself; no reasoning,
even no principle, seemed to have influence over him, for he saw
that Jemima was not at all what he approved of in woman. He saw her
uncurbed and passionate, affecting to despise the rules of life he
held most sacred, and indifferent to, if not positively disliking
him; and yet he loved her dearly. But he resolved to make a great
effort of will, and break loose from these trammels of sense. And
while he resolved, some old recollection would bring her up, hanging
on his arm, in all the confidence of early girlhood, looking up in
his face with her soft, dark eyes, and questioning him upon the
mysterious subjects which had so much interest for both of them at
that time, although they had become only matter for dissension in
these later days.

It was also true, as Mr Bradshaw had said, Mr Farquhar wished to
marry, and had not much choice in the small town of Eccleston. He
never put this so plainly before himself, as a reason for choosing
Jemima, as her father had done to her; but it was an unconscious
motive all the same. However, now he had lectured himself into the
resolution to make a pretty long absence from Eccleston, and see if,
amongst his distant friends, there was no woman more in accordance
with his ideal, who could put the naughty, wilful, plaguing Jemima
Bradshaw out of his head, if he did not soon perceive some change in
her for the better.

A few days after Ruth's conversation with Mr Bradshaw, the invitation
she had been expecting, yet dreading, came. It was to her alone. Mr
and Miss Benson were pleased at the compliment to her, and urged her
acceptance of it. She wished that they had been included; she had not
thought it right, or kind to Jemima, to tell them why she was going,
and she feared now lest they should feel a little hurt that they were
not asked too. But she need not have been afraid. They were glad and
proud of the attention to her, and never thought of themselves.

"Ruthie, what gown shall you wear to-night? your dark grey one, I
suppose?" asked Miss Benson.

"Yes, I suppose so. I never thought of it; but that is my best."

"Well; then, I shall quill up a ruff for you. You know I am a famous
quiller of net."

Ruth came downstairs with a little flush on her cheeks when she was
ready to go. She held her bonnet and shawl in her hand, for she knew
Miss Benson and Sally would want to see her dressed.

"Is not mamma pretty?" asked Leonard, with