t there's a reservation there. But really, Humfrey, I don't
think I went out searching for the responsibility in the way that makes
it dangerous. One uncle did not want them, and the other could not have
them, and it would have been mere barbarity in me not to offer. Besides,
their father wished--' and her voice faltered with tears.

'No, indeed,' said Humfrey, eagerly, 'I did not in the least mean that it
is not the kindest, most generous requital,' and there he broke off,
embarrassed by the sincere word that he had uttered, but before she had
spoken an eager negative--to what she knew not--he went on. 'And of
course I don't mean that you are not one to manage them very well, and
all that--only I hope there may not be pain in store--I should not like
those people to use you for their nursery governess, and then take the
children away just as you had set your heart upon them. Don't do that,
Honor,' he added, with an almost sad earnestness.

'Do what? Set my heart on them? Do you think I can help loving the
creatures?' she said, with mournful playfulness, 'or that my uncertain
tenure does not make them the greater darlings?'

'There are ways of loving without setting one's heart,' was the somewhat
grave reply.

He seemed to be taking these words as equivalent to transgressing the
command that requires all our heart, and she began quickly, 'Oh! but I
didn't mean--' then a sudden thrill crossed her whether there might not
be some truth in the accusation. Where had erst the image of Owen
Sandbrook stood? First or second? Where was now the image of the boy?
She turned her words into 'Do you think I am doing so--in a wrong way?'

'Honor dear, I could not think of wrong where you are concerned,' he
said. 'I was only afraid of your kindness bringing you pain, if you rest
your happiness very much upon those children.'

'I see,' said Honor, smiling, relieved. 'Thank you, Humfrey; but you see
I can't weigh out my affection in that fashion. They will get it, the
rogues!'

'I'm not afraid, as far as the girl is concerned,' said Humfrey. 'You
are strict enough with her.'

'But how am I to be strict when poor little Owen never does anything
wrong?'

'Yes, he is a particularly sweet child.'

'And not at all wanting in manliness,' cried Honor, eagerly. 'So full of
spirit, and yet so gentle. Oh! he is a child whom it is a privilege to
train, and I don't think I have spoilt him yet, do you?'

'No, I don't thin