h inexplicable to uninitiated spectators, to those who cherish even
a corruscation of mental light, speak volumes of information; and such
it was that Eleanor cast upon John Ferguson. What was conveyed in that
look we will not pretend to fathom; but simply affirm that its effect
was an entire derangement of the love-sick swain's determination to
forget the cause of his wretchedness, and a dispersion of every idea
save the one ruling sentiment of love for her. Thus, in a moment,
discretion was forgotten, and resolution cast to the wind; and he
blindly satiated himself with deep draughts of love's ambrosia, without
a moment's contemplation of the remote chances, or absolute
impossibility of his ever possessing the fountain source.

Eve's fair daughters have always an eye for the discernment and
evolution of love's mysterious workings; and often detect the existence
of the tender passion, where the percipiency of their lords' mental
penetralia fails to enlighten them on its presence. Hence, while Mr.
Rainsfield never dreamed of John Ferguson being a rival of Smithers for
the hand of Eleanor, and before she herself even thoroughly knew it, his
weaker half had made the discovery with considerable delight and
communicated the knowledge to her spouse.

By him the news was received in a far different spirit than was expected
by his wife; and he at once remarked that he would take an immediate
opportunity of warning his young friend against entertaining any feeling
beyond friendship for Eleanor. He reminded his wife that the girl had
voluntarily engaged herself to Smithers, and would therefore marry him;
consequently, there was no use torturing Ferguson, by allowing him to
cherish hopes which were not destined to be fulfilled.

"But why should they not be?" replied his wife: "I am certain he loves
Eleanor, and am pretty sure that Eleanor loves him. That she does not
entertain any such feeling for Smithers I am confident; she has been
forced, more than otherwise, into that engagement with him, and the very
thought of attaching herself to him for life is making her wretched. If
you took the trouble to notice her, you would perceive with what
pleasure she receives the attention of Mr. Ferguson; and I am convinced
he has only to declare himself to receive an unqualified consent."

"Well, I beg you will not mention the subject to her," said Rainsfield;
"so long as she remains engaged to Bob Smithers you surely do not intend
to arg