f him, and I cannot endure him."

"On what is that bad opinion founded?"

"I have been told that he is thoroughly unprincipled."

"Who told you this?"

I did not feel courage to name Henry; and as I hesitated,
Edward went on: "If you think that a sufficient reason for not
treating a person with common civility, I own I cannot
understand your strict and intimate friendship with Henry. I
feel a regard for him, founded on early association, and his
many captivating qualities; on the same grounds, and as Mrs.
Middleton's brother, it is very natural that you should feel
the same; but there is a wide difference between this kind of
regard, and the confidential and intimate footing you are on
with him; and it is, to say the least, in very bad taste,
that, at home and in the world, you should neglect my friends
and acquaintances, in order to sit for hours gossiping with
Henry. It seems to me extraordinary that he should devote so
much time to society when Alice is unwell, and so near her
confinement. Have you seen her to-day?"

"No; not to-day; her grandmother is with her."

I said this supposing he would think it a sufficient reason
for not going there, as none of the family had seen Mrs. Tracy
since the marriage, or had had any communication with her.

"You do not mean that you intend not to see Alice while her
grandmother is with her?"

"Neither my aunt nor any of the family have met that woman..."

"They may do as they please about it; but I shall suffer no
such ridiculous pride to stand in the way of your being of as
much use and comfort to Alice as you possibly can. She is only
too good for Henry; and he ought to bless the day on which she
married him. Go there to-morrow, Ellen, and behave civilly to
Mrs. Tracy."

"I really wish, Edward, that you would let me judge for myself
on this subject. I love Alice dearly, but I cannot go there
now. Henry himself does not wish it."

"Is Henry's opinion to be followed rather than mine?"

"No, dearest Edward, do not take it in that way; but _pray_ do
not insist upon my doing this."

"I _do_ insist upon it, and beg to hear nothing more said
against it. I desire you to go there to-morrow morning; I am
sorry you have not right feeling enough to do it of your own
accord, but whether you agree with me or not you must obey
me."

I was going to persist; but Edward's countenance was so stern
that I dared not utter another word; and all night long I lay
awake racking my