nd he
actually obeyed the nod of this girl, whom he had hitherto looked on as
an amiable simpleton.

"I have no objection to that," said he, turning to Mr. Carden. Then,
after another look at Jael, he said, demurely, "Is there any insurance
office you could recommend?"

Mr. Carden smiled. "There is only one I have a right to recommend, and
that is the 'Gosshawk.' I am a director. But," said he, with sudden
stiffness, "I could furnish you with the names of many others."

Henry saw his way clear by this time. "No, sir, if I profit by your
advice, the least I can do is to choose the one you are a director of."

Grace, who had latterly betrayed uneasiness and irritation, now rose,
red as fire. "The conversation is taking a turn I did not at all
intend," said she, and swept out of the room with royal disdain.

Her father apologized carelessly for her tragical exit. "That is a
young lady who detests business; but she does not object to its
fruits--dresses, lace, footmen, diamonds, and a carriage to drive about
in. On the contrary, she would be miserable without them."

"I should hope she never will be without them, sir."

"I'll take care of that."

Mr. Carden said this rather dryly, and then retired for a minute; and
Grace who was not far off, with an ear like a hare, came back soon
after.

But in the meantime Henry left his seat and went to Jael, and, leaning
over her as she worked, said, "There is more in that head of yours than
I thought."

"Oh, they all talk before me," said Jael, blushing faintly, and avoiding
his eye.

"Jael Dence," said the young man, warmly, "I'm truly obliged to you."

"What for?"

"For your good advice. I didn't see how good it was till after I had
taken it."

"I'm afeard Miss Grace gave you better."

"She advised me against my heart. What is the use of that?"

"Ay, young men are willful."

"Come, come, don't you go back. You are my friend and counselor."

"That is something," said Jael, in a low voice; and her hands trembled
at her side.

"Why, my dear girl, what's the matter?"

"Hush! hush?"

CHAPTER VIII.

Grace came in, that moment, with a superb air. She settled herself on
the sofa.

"Now, it is my turn, if you please. Pray, sir, do you think your life
will be any safer for your insuring it? Insuring does not mean that
you are not to be killed; but that, when you ARE, for your obstinacy,
somebody else will get paid some money, to dance with over your grav