considering that
order as cancelled."

"But you did not _say_ it was cancelled. Moreover your first objection
still remained, for I was nearly penniless then, although, in the good
providence of God, I am comparatively rich now. I therefore resolved to
obey your injunctions, sir, and keep away from your house and from your
daughter's distracting influence, until I could return with a few of
those pence, which you appear to consider so vitally important."

"Mr Berrington," exclaimed the old gentleman, who was roused by this
hit, "you mistake me. My opinions in regard to wealth have been
considerably changed of late. But my daughter does not love you, and if
you were as rich as Croesus, sir, you should not have her hand without
her heart."

Mr Hazlit said this stoutly, and, just as stoutly, Edgar replied:--

"If I were as rich as Croesus, sir, I would not _accept_ her hand
without her heart; but, Mr Hazlit, I am richer than Croesus!"

"What do you mean, sir?"

"I mean that I am rich in the possession of that which a world's wealth
could not purchase--your daughter's affections."

"Impossible! Mr Berrington, your passion urges you to deceive
yourself."

"You will believe what she herself says, I suppose?" asked Edgar,
plunging his hand into a breast-pocket.

"Of course I will."

"Well then, listen," said the youth, drawing out a small three-cornered
note. "A good many months ago, when I found my business to be in a
somewhat flourishing condition, I ventured to write to Aileen, telling
her of my circumstances, of my unalterable love, and expressing a wish
that she would write me at least one letter to give me hope that the
love, which she, allowed me to _understand_ was in her breast _before_
you forbade our intercourse, still continued. This," he added, handing
the three-cornered note to the old gentleman, "is her reply."

Mr Hazlit took the note, and, with a troubled countenance, read:--

"Dear Mr Berrington,--I am not sure that I am right in replying to
you without my father's knowledge, and only prevail on myself to do so
because I intend that our correspondence shall go no further, and what
I shall say will, I know, be in accordance with his sentiments. My
feelings towards you remain unchanged. We cannot command feelings,
but I consider the duty I owe to my dear father to be superior to my
feelings, and I am resolved to be guided by his expressed wishes as
long as I remain under