his keeping; and how much more so, when that woman was my beloved and
only sister. "You do not answer me," said Flora; "mamma would give me no
reply till I had consulted you." "My dear sister," said I, "Charley is
all that you say, just, honorable and good; but with all this he has
qualities which, if not brought under subjection, will sadly mar his own
happiness and that of all who love him. He is exclusive and jealous even
of a friend, how will it be with a wife? Suspicion and jealousy is
inherent in his very nature, for did not Doctor Gray tell me years ago
that a suspicious, jealous nature was hereditary in the family of
Charley's mother and he therefore begged me not to blame Charley too
severely for a fault which he could not help saying 'he feared the cloud
which hovered over Charley's cradle would follow him to his grave.' I
doubt not Charley's affection for you, Flora; but the very depth of his
affection will, I fear, prove a source of unhappiness to you both, for
you are aware as well as I that Charley's affection, like his anger when
roused, goes beyond the limits of sober reason. From your childhood,
Flora, you have been petted and indulged, and a life of continual
watchfulness and restraint will be something entirely new for you; for
I never knew even a friend of Charley's who could act themselves when he
was present, and unless there has been a wonderful change, as his wife,
you will be forced to guard your every word and look lest you offend
him; you must be pleased only with what pleases him, in short his will
must be yours in all things." "You are my brother," said Flora, "and I
need not blush to tell you I love Charley Gray better than I once
thought it possible for one to love another, and I know from his own
lips that he loves me equally in return, and as his wife the confidence
between us will be so full and entire, there will be no room left for
doubt and suspicion." "Well, little sister" said I, "knowing Charley
as I do, I could not help uttering those warning words, but I shall not
seek to hinder your marriage. I love and respect Charley more than any
other friend I have, but I am very sensible of his faults. A heavy
responsibility will devolve upon you as his wife, but love works
wonders, and all may be well; but remember, Flora, you have a most
peculiar nature to deal with, but it may be your privilege to exorcise
the dark spirit from the breast of Charley Gray." That same evening the
engagement