cted in all of us, and very closely in Miss Carden. Her
organization is fine, and, therefore, subtle. She is tuned in a high
key. Her sensibility is great; and tough folk, like you and me, must
begin by putting ourselves in her place before we prescribe for her,
otherwise our harsh hands may crush a beautiful, but too tender,
flower."

"Good heavens!" said Carden, beginning to be seriously alarmed, "do you
mean to say you think, if this goes on, she will be in any danger?"

"Why, if it were to go on at the same rate, it would be very serious.
She must have lost a stone in weight already."

"What, my child! my sweet Grace! Is it possible her life--"

"And do you think your daughter is not mortal like other people? The
young girls that are carried past your door to the churchyard one after
another, had they no fathers?"

At this blunt speech the father trembled from head to foot.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

"Doctor," said Mr. Carden, "you are an old friend, and a discreet man; I
will confide the truth to you."

"You may save yourself the trouble. I have watched the whole progress
of this amour up to the moment when you gave them the advantage of your
paternal wisdom, and made them both miserable."

"It is very unreasonable of them, to be miserable."

"Oh, lovers parted could never yet make themselves happy with reason."

"But why do you say parted? All I said was, 'No engagement till you can
make a settlement: and don't compromise her in the meanwhile.' I did not
mean to interdict occasional visits."

"Then why not say so? That is so like people. You made your unfavorable
stipulation plain enough; but the little bit of comfort, you left that
in doubt. This comes of not putting yourself in his place. I have had
a talk with him about it, and he thinks he is not to show his face here
till he is rich enough to purchase your daughter of you."

"But I tell you he has misunderstood me."

"Then write to him and say so."

"No, no; you take an opportunity to let him know he has really rather
overrated my severity, and that I trust to his honor, and do not object
to a visit--say once a week."

"It is a commission I will undertake with pleasure."

"And do you really think that will do her bodily health any good?"

Before Doctor Amboyne could reply, the piano was suddenly touched in the
next room, and a sweet voice began to sing a cheerful melody. "Hush!"
said Doctor Amboyne. "Surely I know that tune. Yes, I have he