the writer thought that the girl he wanted to marry
liked some else."

"Well, there's one point placed beyond an inference, Tony; the
engagement is ended, and she is free."

"I suppose she is very happy at it."

"Poor Dolly has little heart for happiness just now. It was a little
before dinner a note came from the doctor to say that all the friends
he had consulted advised him to go out, and were ready and willing to
assist him in every way to make the journey. As January is the stormy
month in these seas, they all recommended his sailing as soon as he
possibly could; and the poor man says very feelingly, 'To-morrow,
mayhap, will be my farewell sermon to those who have sat under me
eight-and-forty years.'"

"Why did you not make some proposal like what I spoke of, mother?" asked
he, almost peevishly.

"I tried to do it, Tony, but he would n't hear of it. He has a pride
of his own that is very dangerous to wound, and he stopped me at once,
saying, 'I hope I mistake your meaning; but lest I should not, say no
more of this for the sake of our old friendship.'"

"I call such pride downright want of feeling. It is neither more nor
less than consummate selfishness."

"Don't tell him so, Tony, or maybe you 'd fare worse in the argument. He
has a wise, deep head, the doctor."

"I wish he had a little heart with it," said Tony, sulkily, and turned
again into the garden.

Twice did Jeanie summon him to tea, but he paid no attention to the
call; so engrossed, indeed, was he by his thoughts, that he even forgot
to smoke, and not impossibly the want of his accustomed weed added to
his other embarrassments.

"Miss Dolly's for ganging hame, Master Tony," said the maid at last,
"and the mistress wants you to go wi' her."

As Tony entered the hall, Dolly was preparing for the road. Coquetry was
certainly the least of her accomplishments, and yet there was something
that almost verged on it in the hood she wore, instead of a bonnet,
lined with some plushy material of a rich cherry color, and forming
a frame around her face that set off all her features to the greatest
advantage. Never did her eyes look bluer or deeper,--never did the
gentle beauty of her face light up with more of brilliancy. Tony never
knew with what rapture he was gazing on her till he saw that she was
blushing under his fixed stare.

The leave-taking between Mrs. Butler and Dolly was more than usually
affectionate; and even after they had separated, th