the scornful, arrogant, supercilious--Oh! I do not wish to use such
strong language, or to grow angry when I am in such deep grief; but my
dear father could not have known this man, or he never would have chosen
him for my guardian; do you think he would, Mrs. Rocke?"

"My dear, your excellent father must have thought well of him, or he
never would have intrusted him with so precious a charge. Whether your
father's confidence in this man will be justified as far as you are
concerned, time will show. Meanwhile, my love, as the guardian appointed
by your father, you should treat him with respect; but, so far as
reposing any trust in him goes, consult your own instincts."

"I shall; and I thank heaven that I have not got to go and live with
Colonel Le Noir!" said Clara, fervently.

Mrs. Rocke sighed. She remembered that the arrangement that permitted
Clara to live at her own home with her chosen friends was but a verbal
one, not binding upon the guardian and executor unless he chose to
consider it so.

Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a servant with a
message from Colonel Le Noir, expressing a hope that Miss Day felt
better from her afternoon's repose, and desiring the favor of her
company in the library.

Clara returned an answer pleading indisposition, and begging upon that
account to be excused.

At tea, however, the whole family met again. As before, Colonel Le Noir
exerted himself to please the ladies and treated the young physician
with marked neglect. This conduct offended Miss Day to such a degree
that she, being a girl of truth in every thought, word and deed, could
only exhibit toward the guest the most freezing politeness that was
consistent with her position as hostess, and she longed for the time to
come that should deliver their peaceful home and loving little circle
from the unwelcome presence of this arrogant intruder.

"How can he imagine that I can be pleased with his deference and
courtesy and elaborate compliments, when he permits himself to be so
rude to Traverse? I hope Traverse will tell him of our engagement, which
will, perhaps, suggest to him the propriety of reforming his manners
while he remains under a roof of which Traverse is destined to be
master," said Clara to herself, as she arose from the table and, with a
cold bow, turned to retire from the room.

"And will not my fair ward give me a few hours of her company this
evening?" inquired Colonel Le Noir in an in