hter. The marriage was to take
place at Hadley, from the old man's house; the old man was delighted
with the match, &c., &c., &c.; who so happy, who so great, who so
fortunate as Sir Henry Harcourt?

That habit of bringing in letters at the breakfast-table has its good
points, certainly. It is well that one should have one's letters
before the work or pleasure of the day commences: it is well to be
able to discuss the different little subjects of mutual interest as
they are mentioned. "Eliza's baby has got her first tooth: it's all
right. There's nothing like Daffy's Elixir after all." "My dear,
the guano will be here to-day; so the horses will be wanted all the
week--remember that." "What a bore, papa; for here's a letter to say
that Kate Carnabie's coming; and we must go over to the Poldoodles.
Frank Poldoodle is quite smitten with Kate." This is all very
convenient; but the plan has its drawbacks. Some letters will be in
their nature black and brow-compelling. Tidings will come from time
to time at which men cannot smile. There will be news that ruffles
the sweetest temper, and at receipt of which clouds will darken the
most kindly face. One would fain receive such letters in private.

Two such letters Bertram received that morning, and read while the
eyes of the parsonage breakfast-table were--not fixed on him, but
which under such circumstances is much worse--were purposely turned
away. He knew well the handwriting of each, and would fain have
escaped with them from the room. But this he felt to be cowardly; and
so he read them both, sitting there in the family circle. They were
from Caroline and Sir Henry. We will give precedence to the lady; but
Bertram did not so read them. The lady's letter was the most trying
to his nerves, and was therefore taken the last. It can hardly be
said that their contents surprised him. When they both came into his
hands together, he seemed to feel by intuition what was the news
which they contained. That from Caroline was very fairly written.
But how many times had it been rewritten before that fair copy was
prepared?

Hadley, August, 184--.

My dear Mr. Bertram,

I do not know whether I am right in thinking that I ought
myself to tell you of the step which I am going to take.
If it is unnecessary, I know you will forgive me, and will
be certain that I have intended to do what is right. Sir
Henry Harcourt has proposed to me, and I have accepted
him.