d her engagement to him in his and my presence, and at the same
time abstained from giving me any direct answer to my proposal; I
imagine, as she thought, to avoid paining my feelings; so I must not
dare to hope."

"That's all moonshine," cried Tom, "banish the idea of Bob Smithers from
your head altogether. You say Eleanor gave you no direct answer to your
entreaties; I don't profess to be a judge in such matters, but it
appears to me her hesitation was not disadvantageous to you. If that
ruffian had not appeared I am sure you would have overcome all her
scruples. Persevere John! you know the adage, 'faint heart never won
fair lady;' rouse yourself, and act upon it, and I will stake my
existence on the result."

"I cannot, Tom," replied his friend. "I assure you, I cannot; I have a
higher opinion of Eleanor's integrity than to think she would be
influenced by my entreaties to reject Smithers merely from our little
fracas yesterday. She distinctly informed me she was engaged to him, and
I am bound in honour to respect her judgment. If I ever had reason to
believe her determination would alter I might hope; but no, I see no
prospect."

"You are too nice," exclaimed Tom, "upon the point of honour, as you
call it. Her engagement I look upon as a mere phantasy, which she will
be convinced of ere long. All you have to consider is, whether or not
she will accept you. You have had no answer from her you say; then take
an early opportunity of seeing her, and pressing for a reply. If you
will not plead for yourself I will for you; and shall point out to her
the absurdity and absolute sinfulness of discarding you for that object
of conceited inanition, Bob Smithers."

"Much as I would desire the reversion of the decree that forbids me hope
that Eleanor will be mine," replied John, "I would much rather that you
did not agitate her by adverting to the subject in her hearing, as it
cannot fail to renew unpleasant reminiscences."

"Well, perhaps it would be better," said Tom, "to let it remain as it is
for a short time; and if you promise me to keep up your spirits, and
hope for a better state of things, I will engage not to disturb her
unnecessarily. Why, I'll stake anything you like on it, she is thinking
of you at this very moment; and will no more marry Bob Smithers than I
will the ghostly Meg Merillies."

With a sickly smile from the forlorn lover the conversation ceased for
the time; and the friends shortly afterwards re