would be no quarter
allowed, on _one_ side at least.

You must not think that I make these remarks with any bitter feelings
now in my heart towards Min's mother. I only desire to tell my story
truthfully; and, I may say at once that she failed in our after struggle
together. I really believe that she meant honestly to do the best she
could for her daughter, as "the best" was held by the articles of her
social creed; and that she manoeuvred so that her "lines" should "fall
in pleasant places." Yet, those good thoughts, and best wishes, and
wise plans of worldly people, effect incalculable mischief and misery
and unhappiness in life.

Many a sorely-tried heart has been broken by their influence--many a man
and woman ruined for life and for eternity, through their means! And,
although I mean no harm towards Mrs Clyde now, as I have already
stated, however much I may have been opposed to her once--for the battle
has been fought lang syne, and the game played out to its end--still, I
can never forget that she _was_ my enemy!

CHAPTER TEN.

"A FOOL'S PARADISE."

Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And the same flower that blooms to-day,
To-morrow may be dying!

Rost nubila Phoebus; "after clouds, comes sunshine."

I did not allow the coldness of Min's mother to dwell long in my mind.

What, if Mrs Clyde did not appear to like me? Could I alter the
obliquity of her mental vision by brooding over it, and worrying myself
into a fit of misanthropy? Would it not be better for me to allow
matters to run their appointed course, in accordance with the inexorable
law of events, and not to anticipate those evils with which the future
might be pregnant? The followers of Mahomet are wise men in their
generation. They take everything that happens to them with the
philosophy of their faith. Kismet! It is their fate, may Allah be
praised! they say.

I was perfectly satisfied to accommodate myself to circumstances; and
gathered flowers, according to wise old Herrick's advice, to my heart's
content. I did not seek to inquire about the future:--why should I?

Time flew by on golden pinions, and I was as happy as the day was long.
Winter made way for spring, spring gave place to summer. The halcyon
hours sped brighter and brighter for me, from the time of violets--when
nature's sweetest nurslings modestly blossomed beneath the hedge-rows.

Then came "the month of roses," as the Pe