orious in the college. We never had any doubt on the
subject."

"My niece has told Mrs. Porter that there really was nothing
wrong in it."

"Indeed? I am happy to hear it."

"I should like to think well of him, as he is a connexion of my
wife. In other respects now--"

Here again she was carried away by the dance. When she returned,
she caught the end of a sentence of St. Cloud's, "You will
consider what I have said in confidence?"

"Certainly," answered Mr. Porter; "and I am exceedingly obliged
to you." And then the dance was over, and Mary returned to her
father's side. She had never enjoyed a ball less than this, and
persuaded her father to leave early, which he was delighted to
do.

When she reached her own room, Mary took off her wreath and
ornaments, and then sat down and fell into a brown study, which
lasted for some time. At last she roused herself with a sigh, and
thought she had never had so tiring a day, though she could
hardly tell why, and felt half inclined to have a good cry, if
she could only have made up her mind what about. However, being a
sensible young woman, she resisted the temptation, and hardly
taking the trouble to roll up her hair, went to bed and slept
soundly.

Mr. Porter found his wife sitting up for him; they were evidently
both full of the same subject.

"Well, dear?" she said, as he entered the room.

Mr. Porter put down his candle, and shook his head.

"You don't think Katie can be right then? She must have capital
opportunities of judging, you know, dear."

"But she is no judge. What can a girl like Katie know about such
things?"

"Well, dear, do you know I really cannot think there was anything
very wrong, though I did think so at first, I own."

"But I find that his character was bad--decidedly bad--always.
Young St. Cloud didn't like to say much to me, which was natural,
of course. Young men never like to betray one another; but I
could see what he thought. He is a right-minded young man and
very agreeable."

"I do not take to him very much."

"His connexions and prospects, too, are capital. I sometimes
think he has a fancy for Mary. Haven't you remarked it?"

"Yes, dear. But as to the other matter? Shall you ask him here?"

"Well, dear, I do not think there is any need. He is only in
town, I suppose, for a short time, and it is not at all likely
that we should know where he is, you see."

"But if he should call?"

"Of course then we must be civil. We ca