away, I spoke to Grace, and found
that there was every prospect of all my hopes of happiness being
realised.

"And, Emily," I said to her the next day, "will you confide to me the
reason why you have refused so many good offers of marriage? I do not
wish to get rid of you, and I am very certain that you would add greatly
to Grace's happiness if you remain here."

"In that case," she answered, "I think it will be my duty, as well as
pleasure, to remain your guest."

"That is not a categorical answer," I remarked. "Come, Emily, tell me,
is there no one for whom you have more regard than for those unhappy
gentlemen whom you refused?" I saw a gentle blush rise to her cheek.
"Well," I said, "I shall ask Oliver Farwell to come and stay here. He
keeps away far more than there is any necessity for, as he can easily
ride across the park to his vicarage, and equally well attend to his
duties as he can when residing there."

"If Mr Farwell keeps away, he has probably good reason for doing so,"
answered Emily; "though, of course, you are welcome to ask him to come
over here, if you like to do so. I greatly respect him, and I am sure
whatever he does is from a right motive."

The following day I rode over to the vicarage, and pressed Oliver to
come and stay with us, and help to entertain Captain and Mrs Davenport.
I saw he hesitated somewhat. Though he congratulated me sincerely on
my prospect of marriage, he uttered an involuntary sigh as he ceased
speaking. "I hope, my dear Oliver, that you may enjoy the same
happiness yourself," I said. "I am very certain that the usefulness of
a clergyman is greatly increased by the assistance of a suitable wife--
one who will sympathise with him in his unavoidable trials and
disappointments, and who will attend to many of the cases of distress
which he may find it difficult to manage." He looked grave, and then I
thought he gave an inquiring glance up at my face. "Yes, Oliver," I
said; "and I am sure if you can find a woman possessed of the qualities
you desire, and her heart is disengaged, she is not likely to refuse to
share your fortunes."

Before I left, Oliver had promised to come over that day to the hall.
Whatever Emily had intended to do, somehow or other before long Oliver
found out that, should he make her an offer, she was not likely to
refuse him.

The two marriages took place on the same day, and among those who were
present were Dick Tarbox, Roger Trew, Potto J