egin his letter.

Would he be justified in alluding to the report which associated
Bennydeck with Catherine? Considerations of delicacy seemed to forbid
taking this liberty, even with an intimate friend. It was for the
Captain to confirm what Mrs. Presty had said of him, if he thought it
desirable to touch on the subject in his reply. Besides, looking to
Catherine's interest--and not forgetting how she had suffered--had
Randal any right to regard with other than friendly feelings a second
marriage, which united her to a man morally and intellectually
the superior of her first husband? What happier future could await
her--especially if she justified Randal's past experience of all that
was candid and truthful in her character--than to become his friend's
wife?

Written under the modifying influence of these conclusions, his letter
contained the few words that follow:

"I have news for you which I am sure you will be glad to hear. Your old
friend's daughter has abandoned her sinful way of life, and has made
sacrifices which prove the sincerity of her repentance. Without entering
into particulars which may be mercifully dismissed from notice, let me
only assure you that I answer for Sydney Westerfield as being worthy of
the fatherly interest which you feel in her. Shall I say that she may
expect an early visit from you, when I see her to-morrow? I don't doubt
that I am free already to do this; but it will encourage the poor girl,
if I can speak with your authority."

He added Sydney's address in a postscript, and dispatched his letter
that evening.

On the afternoon of the next day two letters were delivered to Randal,
bearing the Sydenham postmark.

The first which he happened to take up was addressed to him in Mrs.
Presty's handwriting. His opinion of this correspondent was expressed
in prompt action--he threw the letter, unopened, into the waste-paper
basket.

The next letter was from Bennydeck, written in the kindest terms, but
containing no allusion to any contemplated change in his life. He
would not be able (he wrote) to leave Sydenham for a day or two. No
explanation of the cause of this delay followed. But it might, perhaps,
be excusable to infer that the marriage had not yet been decided on, and
that the Captain's proposals were still waiting for Catherine's reply.

Randal put the letter in his pocket and went at once to Sydney's
lodgings.

Chapter XLII. Try to Excuse Her.

The weather h