s Owen Sandbrook; I understand,' said Humfrey, gravely.

She made no denial.

'But, Honor,' he anxiously exclaimed, 'you are not going out in this wild
way among the backwoods, it would break your mother's heart; and he is
not fit to take care of you. I mean he cannot think of it now.'

'O no, no, I could not leave papa and mamma; but some time or other--'

'Is this arranged? Does your father know it?'

'Oh, Humfrey, of course!'

'Then it is an engagement?'

'No,' said Honora, sadly; 'papa said I was too young, and he wished I had
heard nothing about it. We are to go on as if nothing had happened, and
I know they think we shall forget all about it! As if we could! Not
that I wish it to be different. I know it would be wicked to desert papa
and mamma while she is so unwell. The truth is, Humfrey,' and her voice
sank, 'that it cannot be while they live.'

'My poor little Honor!' he said, in a tone of the most unselfish
compassion.

She had entirely forgotten his novel aspect, and only thought of him as
the kindest friend to whom she could open her heart.

'Don't pity me,' she said in exultation; 'think what it is to be his
choice. Would I have him give up his aims, and settle down in the
loveliest village in England? No, indeed, for then it would not be Owen!
I am happier in the thought of him than I could be with everything
present to enjoy.'

'I hope you will continue to find it so,' he said, repressing a sigh.

'I should be ashamed of myself if I did not,' she continued with
glistening eyes. 'Should not I have patience to wait while he is at his
real glorious labour? And as to home, that's not altered, only better
and brighter for the definite hope and aim that will go through
everything, and make me feel all I do a preparation.'

'Yes, you know him well,' said Humfrey; 'you saw him constantly when he
was at Westminster.'

'O yes, and always! Why, Humfrey, it is my great glory and pleasure to
feel that he formed me! When he went to Oxford, he brought me home all
the thoughts that have been my better life. All my dearest books we read
together, and what used to look dry and cold, gained light and life after
he touched it.'

'Yes, I see.'

His tone reminded her of what had passed, and she said, timidly, 'I
forgot! I ought not! I have vexed you, Humfrey.'

'No,' he said, in his full tender voice; 'I see that it was vain to think
of competing with one of so much higher claims. If he go