With a quiet step, and firm, neither “overtaken” by liquor nor fatigued by the night's debauch, Davis hastened to his chamber. So long as he was occupied with the cares of dressing, his features betrayed no unusual anxiety; he did, indeed, endeavor to attire himself with more than ordinary care; and one cravat after another did he fling on the floor, where a number of embroidered vests were already lying. At length the toilet was completed, and Grog surveyed himself in the large glass, and was satisfied. He knew he didn't look like Annesley Beecher and that “lot,” still less did he resemble the old “swells” of Brookes's and the Carlton; but he thought there was something military, something sporting,--a dash of the “nag,” with “Newmarket,”--about him, that might pass muster anywhere! “At all events, Lizzy won't be ashamed of me,” muttered he to himself. “Poor, poor Lizzy!” added he, in a broken tone; and he sank down into a chair, and leaned his head on the table. A gentle tap came to the door. “Come in,” said he, without raising his head; and she entered. As the rich robe of silk rustled across the floor, he never raised his head; nor even when, bending over, she threw an arm around his neck and kissed his forehead, did he stir or move. “I want you to look at me, dearest papa,” said she, softly. “My poor Lizzy,--my own dear Lizzy!” murmured he, half indistinctly; then, starting suddenly up, he cried aloud, “Good heavens! is it worth all this--” “No, indeed, papa,” burst she in; “it is _not_--it is _not_ worth it!” “What do you mean?” asked he, abruptly. “What were you thinking of?” “It was _your_ thoughts I was following out,” said she, drearily. “How handsome,--how beautiful you are, girl!” exclaimed he, as, holding both her hands, he surveyed her at full length. “Is this Brussels lace?” She nodded assent “And what do you call these buttons?” “They are opals.” “How it all becomes you, girl! I'd never like to see you less smartly dressed! And now.--and now I am to lose you!” And he fell upon her neck, and clasped her fondly to his heart. “Oh, my dear father, if you knew--” She could not continue. “And don't I know!” broke he in. “Do you think that all my hard, bad experience of life has left me so bereft of feeling! But I 'll tell you another thing I know, Lizzy,” said he, in a deep, calm voice; “that what we fancy must break our hearts to do we can bear, and bear patiently, and, what's more, so learn to conform to, that after a few years of life we wonder that we ever thought them hardships!” “We do not change so much without heavy suffering!” said she, sorrowfully. “That is possible too,” said he, sighing. Then, suddenly rallying, he said, “You'll write to me often, very often, Lizzy; I 'll want to hear how you get on with these great folk; not that I fear anything, only this, girl, that their jealousy will stimulate their rancor. You are so handsome, girl! so handsome!”