"Though round her playful lips should glitter
Heat lightnings of a girlish scorn,
Harmless they are, for nothing bitter
In that dear heart was ever born;
That merry heart that cannot lie
Within its warm nest quietly,
But ever from the full dark eye
Is looking kindly night and morn."

"My son, I do not believe Valeria Fairleigh has ever a serious
thought; nothing beyond the present enjoyment, or deeper than the
devising of a becoming attire for some approaching dance or festive
occasion. Believe me, she is not the girl for a minister's wife. You
have chosen as your vocation the work of God; in this you should be
sustained by your wife: one who would enter into your labor with
energy of mind and body. She should have a heart to sympathize not
only with her husband, but his charge. I tell you, David, a man's
success and popularity in his ministry depends very much on the woman
that he has chosen to be his helpmate. Had your mother been other than
she is, I truly think I should have sunk under the many trials during
the years of my work."

"But, father, if report speaks truly, my mother was not a very sedate
maiden. I have heard many a tale of her wild days. Pardon me, but I do
not think you are judging Miss Fairleigh with your usual benevolence
and charity. I know she is a very gay, fun-loving girl, but I believe
she has a warm, true heart. I have never known her to do a heartless
action, or turn a cold ear on any needing her sympathy."

"Lovers are prone to see only the good and beautiful," replied his
father, "Of course, my son, I do not wish or expect to decide this
matter for you; only to influence you, for your happiness. Will you
promise me this much--do not commit yourself until you have seen more
of Valeria and in some degree test her worth. How is it that a man of
such deep thought, hard study, and so earnest and devoted to his work,
should place his affections on one so very dissimilar? It is very
strange to me, particularly as in the same house is her cousin, Miss
Bland--just the woman for you. A well-cultivated, thoroughly-disciplined
mind, with great energy and industry. You know well, of charities her
name is always among the first; ready with time and money to help in
good works. Why could you not have loved her? Why did your heart
wander from the right?"

"Oh, father! you ask why the heart wanders! I know too truly love
cannot be tutored; but will drag away the he