oyly on his arm to wander over her splendid
mansion again, and looking so timidly in his face, as if, now her secret
was known, she had no right to claim or expect tenderness from him;--all
this reserve made her so much dearer, and he thought, if she would but
give him one little look of love, he would even forget his meditated
revenge on Sheldon.

But, ah! he looked in vain for lurking love in those cold, beautiful
eyes. There was submission,--there was gratitude; but what were those?

Again the fashionable world said, "Esq. Hardin and lady are more devoted
than ever;" and they congratulated Mrs. Dr. Prague on the _nice match_
she had secured for her daughter Marion. And the haughty, vain mother
exulted, for she was a superficial observer of human nature, and could
not, or _would_ not, see the wasting woe that was preying on her
daughter's health and beauty.

It was a gay season at the doctor's mansion. Sheldon's arrival was the
signal for a round of entertainments among the elite of the city; for,
be it known, there were others than good Mrs. Prague anxious to secure
so eligible a match for their daughters, as the handsome, rich and
gifted Frank Sheldon. A manoeuvring mother! reader, hast ever seen
one? And if so, dost know of another so contemptible thing in the whole
broad realm of the low, sordid and despicable?

The good old doctor, with his usual obstinacy, insisted that Annie
Evalyn should make one of all the parties of amusement; and, in truth,
Sheldon was quite as anxious to secure her society as was the doctor to
"set her forward," as Mrs. Prague expressed it. That lady was
exceedingly vexed and mortified at the turn matters were taking; but
Kate, partaking largely of her father's easy nature, seemed as merry and
well-pleased as though Sheldon had fallen in love with her, instead of
Annie Evalyn; for it began to be whispered in the upper circles that
"Dr. Prague's pretty governess had captivated the fascinating Sheldon."
Many ugly grimaces distorted the proper faces of marriageable daughters;
and captious, ill-natured remarks were indulged in by disappointed
maidens, who had beggared their fathers' pockets to purchase silks and
satins, jewels and diamonds, to carry by storm the heart of the elegant,
accomplished Frank Sheldon.

Alas for human hopes and expectations! And what a perverse, capricious,
wilful little fellow is this god of love, whom we all worship and make
offerings to in one form or another!