idow; he wanted a friend and companion, so did I. Each finding
that the other led a solitary life, and only required that solace
and agreeable society, which a kind and rational companion can most
assuredly bestow, resolved to take the other, as the good old phrase
goes, for better for worse; and accordingly here we are, thank God, with
no care but that which proceeds from the unfortunate mistake which poor
Emily made in her marriage. The spirit that cemented our hearts was
friendship, not love; but the holiness of marriage has consecrated that
friendship into affection, which the sweet intercourse of domestic life
has softened into something still more agreeable and tender. My girl's
marriage, my dear Lucy, is the only painful thought that throws its
shadow across our happiness."

"Poor Emily," sighed Lucy, "how little did that calm, sweet-tempered,
and patient girl deserve to meet such a husband. But perhaps he may
yet improve. If gentleness and affection can soften a heart by time and
perseverance, his may yet become human."

Such was the simple history of this amiable couple, who, although
enjoying as much happiness as is usually allotted to man and woman, were
not, however, free from those characteristic traces that enabled their
friends to recognize without much difficulty the previous habits of
their lives.

"Mrs. Mainwaring," said Lucy, "I must write to my father, I cannot
bear to think of the anguish he will feel at my sudden and mysterious
disappearance. It will set him distracted, perhaps cause illness."

"Until now, my dear child, you know you had neither time, nor health,
nor strength to do so; but I agree with you, and think without doubt you
ought to make his mind as easy upon this point as possible. At the same
time I do not see that it is necessary for you to give a clew to your
present residence. Perhaps it would be better that I should see him
before you think of returning; but of that we will speak in the course
of the evening, or during to-morrow, when we shall have a little more
time to consider the matter properly, and determine what may be the best
steps to take."

CHAPTER XXIII. A Lunch in Summerfield Cottage.

The little spot they strolled in was beautiful, from the natural
simplicity of the sweet but humble scenery around them. They traversed
it in every direction; sat on the sunny side of grassy eminences,
gathered wild flowers, threw pebbles into the little prattling stream
th