for the knowledge, that
they envied him in vain.

Erle found it difficult to play his part well; but his young _fiancee_
was too unsuspecting in her happiness to guess at her lover's secret
trouble. His slight gravity spoke well for him, she thought; most
likely a greater sense of responsibility oppressed him. She was too
much in love herself to notice how often he lapsed into silence.

Every one thought him a most devoted lover; he was always at his
post--always ready to escort them to picture-galleries and
flower-shows, or to stand sentinel at the back of Lady Maltravers's
box. His uncle's generosity enabled him to load his betrothed with
gifts. Evelyn used to remonstrate with him for his lavishness, not
knowing that Mr. Huntingdon had prompted the gift.

"Of course I love you to bring me things," she would say, looking up
in his face with her clear, candid eyes; "but indeed, dear Erle, I do
not need so many proofs of your affection."

"I feel as though I should never do enough for you, Eva," he answered,
hurriedly; "you must not refuse to let me give you things. I am always
thinking how I am to please you;" and as he clasped the diamond
bracelet on the slender wrist he suddenly remembered what a pretty
hand Fern had, so white and dimpled, and a vivid longing came over
him, turning him nearly sick with pain, to see that sweet face again,
and to hear from those frank, beautiful lips that she was glad to see
him; but he never yielded to the temptation.

On the contrary, he had put all such visits out of his power; for he
had written to Mrs. Trafford within a few days of his engagement,
telling her that his uncle had interdicted them, and that he dared not
risk his displeasure, deeply as he regretted such a break in their
intercourse; and he told her that he and Miss Selby were engaged, and
would probably be married in the autumn; and then he sent his kind
remembrances to her daughter.

Mrs. Trafford thought it a very manly and straightforward letter. He
had not acted so very badly after all, she thought; her father's
strong will had evidently coerced him, and she knew how strong that
will could be. He had meant no harm; he had only said pleasant things
because it was his nature to say them; if only it had not gone very
deep with Fern.

"I have had a letter from Mr. Erle, my darling," she said, quietly, as
she noticed the girl had turned a shade paler, as though she had
recognized the handwriting; but she had no