Raby's new nephew?"

"That is the man."

Mr. Carden was visibly discomposed by this communication. He did
not choose to tell Coventry how shocked he was at his own daughter's
conduct; but, after a considerable pause, he said, "If what you have
told me is the exact truth, I shall interpose parental authority, and
she shall keep her engagement with you, in spite of all the Littles in
the world."

"Pray do not be harsh," said Coventry.

"No, but I shall be firm."

"Insanity in his family, for one thing," suggested Coventry, scarcely
above a whisper.

"That is true; his father committed suicide. But really that
consideration is not needed. My daughter must keep her engagements, as I
keep mine."

With this understanding the friends parted.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Grace happened to have a headache next morning, and did not come down to
breakfast: but it was Saturday, and Mr. Carden always lunched at home on
that day. So did Grace, because it was one of Little's days. This gave
Mr. Carden the opportunity he wanted. When they were alone he fixed
his eyes on his daughter, and said quietly, "What is your opinion of--a
jilt?"

"A heartless, abominable creature," replied Grace, as glibly as if she
was repeating some familiar catechism.

"Would you like to be called one?"

"Oh, papa!"

"Is there nobody who has the right to apply the term to you?"

"I hope not." (Red.)

"You encouraged Mr. Coventry's addresses?"

"I am afraid I did not discourage them, as I wish I had. It is so hard
to foresee every thing."

"Pray do you remember the fifth day of last December?"

"Can I ever forget it?" (Redder.)

"Is it true that Mr. Coventry proposed for you, that day?"

"Yes."

"And you accepted him."

"No; no. Then he has told you so? How ungenerous! All I did was, I
hesitated, and cried, and didn't say 'no,' downright--like a fool. Oh,
papa, have pity on me, and save me." And now she was pale.

Mr. Carden's paternal heart was touched by this appeal, but he was
determined to know the whole truth. "You could love him, in time, I
suppose?"

"Never."

"Why?"

"Because--"

"Now tell me the truth. Have you another attachment?"

"Yes, dear papa." (In a whisper and as red as fire.)

"Somebody of whom you are not proud."

"I AM proud of him. He is Mr. Coventry's superior. He is everybody's
superior in everything in the world."

"No, Grace, you can hardly be proud of your attachment; if you had been,
you would