es in my time, and my views of life are of the most
liberal sort imaginable. I consider that I, too, have my weaknesses and
foibles, in common with the rest of mankind, and I do not look for
exalted virtues in any one. I admired you from the first, and resolved
to make an effort to win you. Of my success, you are the best judge, but
that, I am happy to say, does not alter our mutual regard and esteem.

"Furthermore, I can say from personal knowledge, (confidentially, of
course) that not one of these worthy ladies who have denounced you,
would dare to utter or whisper a word against you as my wife, for I am
already too deeply in their confidence not to render the attempt
dangerous, as well as disagreeable.

"My dear girl," he added lightly, "this is no place for an angel like
you, now that you have repulsed the only man who might have befriended
you. In losing me, you lose everything, for you must be aware that it
would be sheer folly in me to detract from my own popularity, by
defending one who denies me even the right to do so. And since I cannot
trust myself to enjoy the dangerous privilege of your friendship, I
shall find consolation in the ambition that has engrossed me in the
past, and rendered me, until the present moment, invulnerable to the
charms of the fairer portion of creation."

Clemence felt a hysterical inclination to laugh and cry too, when she
found herself alone, and was only certain of one fact, that this
morning's work had added to her troubles, not lightened them.

"_Such_ a day as I have had!" said Mrs. Wynn, coming in about tea-time.
"You are the talk of the town. That little nobody of an Owen has managed
to stir up one muss, I can tell you. I s'pose, though, if it hadn't been
her, some of the rest would have made up something on their own hook.
You see, the women have all been jealous of you from the first, and they
meant to put you down if they could, and have only been waiting for a
good chance.

"Why, I heard to day a dozen different accounts of your life before you
came here; how your father was hung or sent to the States Prison, and
your mother was no better than she should be, and a lot more that I
can't remember. Do tell me, for I never heard really how it was anyway.
I want to put them down when they say such things again."

"Never mind, dear Mrs. Wynn," said Clemence, "I do not. These people,
like the rest of their class, must have something to occupy their minds,
and, if their ani