u in such a hurry for, Yanna? Sit down, I want to tell you about my
winter apples. I have been so badly used by old Van Winkle."

"I am in a hurry this afternoon, auntie. The Filmers are leaving
Woodsome, and I think some of them will want to see me. Rose was at
our house yesterday--but----"

"Oh, yes! the Filmers! the Filmers! Nobody but the Filmers! Your own
mother's kin is not to be thought of if the Filmers but ring at your
doorstep."

"Dear auntie, you should not talk in that way. I will come to-morrow
afternoon and finish the book."

"Thank you! But the Filmers may want you." And the old lady made no
response to Yanna's kiss, nor did she answer her twice repeated "Good
afternoon, aunt."

It was precisely such a result as most frequently follows a conscious
exercise of self-denial; but it depressed and vexed Yanna. Her cheeks
flushed to the sense of wrong, and she could hardly keep the tears out
of her eyes, as she walked swiftly homeward. When she was nearly at
her own gate, she heard the rattle of the Filmer dog-cart, and her
heart beat rapidly, and she began instinctively to hurry her
footsteps, and then consciously to moderate them to her normal pace.
Should she turn her face to the passing vehicle or not? The question
was quickly answered. Not to do so would be pettishly self-cognizant.
It stopped when near her, and she turned towards it. Harry flung the
reins to his servant, and in a moment was at her side.

"I was just coming to see you, Yanna. May I walk home with you? Or has
your father forbidden you to receive my visits?"

"That would be very unlike father, Harry. He leaves your visits to
your own sense of honor; and to my loyalty to his wishes. I think he
can trust both."

"I have been so utterly wretched since I saw you last, my dear."

"I have not been happy, Harry."

"Yanna, I am going into a life full of excitement and temptation. Will
you not straighten me for it by the promise I ask for?"

"Have you spoken to Mrs. Filmer again?"

"How could I? You know what a state of turmoil we have been in. But
just as soon as we are settled in New York, I mean to have a good talk
with mother about our marriage."

"Then if she is willing for our engagement--our public engagement--you
can come and tell father so; and you know how happy I shall be."

"If our engagement should be made known in Woodsome, do you think it
would reach New York?"

"Yes. Half a dozen of our Woodsome families are in New