y, had
been indifferent about her. He observed that Emily was fond of the girl,
and, though he wondered at her taste, was glad that she should be
indulged. But he soon noticed in his daughter's favourite a quickness of
mind and propriety of deportment which created an interest in her that
soon increased to positive partiality, especially when he discovered her
taste for gardening and her love of flowers. Emily formed no plan as to
Gertrude's education to which she did not obtain a ready assent from her
father; and Gertrude, grateful for so much bounty, spared no pains to
evidence her sense of obligation and regard, by treating Mr. Graham with
the greatest respect.

But, unfortunately for the continuance of these amicable relations, Mr.
Graham had neither the disinterested forbearing spirit of Uncle True,
nor the saintly patience and self-sacrifice of Emily. Mr. Graham was a
liberal and highly respectable man; he had the reputation of being a
high-minded and honourable man; and his conduct justified this report of
him. But he was a _selfish_ man, and often took one-sided views. He had
supported and educated Gertrude--he liked her--she was the person whom
he preferred for a travelling companion for himself and Emily--and he
either _could_ not or _would_ not see that her duty lay in any other
direction.

During a wakeful and restless night, Gertrude reviewed and considered
her own circumstances. At first her only emotion was one of grief, but
that gradually subsided, as other bitter thoughts rose up in her mind.

"What right," thought she, "has Mr. Graham to treat me this way--to tell
me I _shall_ go with him on his southern journey, and speak as if my
other friends were ciphers in his estimation, and ought to be in my own?
Does he consider my freedom is to be the price of my education, and am I
no longer able to say yes or no? Emily does not think so; Emily, who
loves and needs me a thousand times more than Mr. Graham, thinks I have
acted rightly, and she assured me that it was my duty to carry out the
plans I had formed. And my solemn promise to Willie! is that to be held
for nothing? No, it would be tyranny in Mr. Graham to insist on my
remaining with them, and I am glad I have resolved to break away from
such thraldom. Besides, I was educated to teach, and Mr. W. says it is
important to commence while my studies are fresh in my mind." So much
said pride; and Gertrude's heart listened awhile to such suggestions.
But