ext letter stated that he would not lose a moment in
complying with his wishes, as no motive existed to detain him from home,
and the third expressed the uncommon benefit which he had, during his
brief residence there, experienced from the use of the waters. Against
this last argument the father had nothing to urge. His son's health
was to him a consideration paramount to every other, and when he found
himself improved either by the air or waters of Bath, he should not
hurry his return as he had intended. "Only write to your friends," said
he, "they are as anxious for the perfect establishment of your health as
I am."

This latter correspondence between Mr. Osborne and his son, was
submitted to Mr. Sinclair, that it might be mentioned to serve as an
apology for Charles's delay in replying to her last letter. This step
was suggested by Mr. Sinclair himself, who dreaded the consequences
which any appearance of neglect might have upon a heart so liable to
droop as that of his gentle daughter. Jane, who was easily depressed,
but not suspicious, smiled at the simplicity of her papa, as she said,
in deeming it necessary to make any apology for Charles Osborne's not
writing to her by return of post.

"It will be time enough," she added, "when his letters get cool, and
come but seldom, to make excuses for him. Surely, my dear papa, if any
one blamed him, I myself would be, and ought to be the first to defend
him."

"Yet," observed William, "you could complain to me about his letting
a letter of yours stand over a fortnight before he answered it.
Jane--Jane--there's no knowing you girls; particularly when you're in
love; but, indeed, then you don't know yourselves, so how should we?"

"But, papa," she added, looking earnestly upon him; "it is rather
strange that you are so anxious to apologize for Charles. I cannot
question my papa, and I shall not; but yet upon second thoughts, it is
very strange."

"No, my love, but I would not have you a day uneasy."

"Well," she replied, musing--but with a keen eye bent alternately
upon him and William; "it is a simple case, I myself have a very ready
solution for his want of punctuality, if it can be called such, or if it
continue such."

"And pray what is it, Jane," asked William.

"Excuse me, dear William--if I told you it might reach him, and then he
might shape his conduct to meet it--I may mention it some day, though;
but I hope there will never be occasion. Papa, don't you a