But Ernest truly loved Clara, though he might not himself have been able to explain the source of attraction, as love is not a passion subject to the human will. Mr. Hillston at an early period of the courtship, perceived his infatuation, and as he took a deep interest in the welfare of his ward, he could not but feel some misgivings as to the propriety of the union. One day Ernest informed him of his engagement, and the old man shook his head unconsciously in an ominous manner, which did not escape Ernest’s observation. “You do not seem to approve of my selection?” said Ernest inquiringly. Mr. Hillston had made no remark after this communication, but sat still with an ambiguous expression upon his face. “It is not for me to approve or disapprove in matters of this kind,” was Mr. Hillston’s reply, which was not very satisfactory to his ward, who was looking at the old minister in surprise. “I thought surely you would congratulate me,” said Ernest, with a faint, forced smile. “The ides of March have come, but not gone,” answered Mr. Hillston, shaking his head. “I do not understand you, Mr. Hillston.” “How can I congratulate you, my dear boy, when I cannot foresee the end?” “Can you do that in any case, sir?” “True enough: but sometimes, and in some cases, we fear the termination.” “Please do not speak in riddles, Mr. Hillston. Is not the prospect flattering?” “In one sense, yes. So far as material prosperity is concerned, I can see no possible objection. But money, my dear Ernest, does not always bring happiness.” “Do you suppose I am base enough to marry for money?” interrupted Ernest with an angry flush. “No, no,” hastily answered Mr. Hillston. “I have a better opinion of you than that. But the world judges of marriages by outward circumstances. If both parties start out in life with great wealth, people generally think they are happy matches. But there are other things to be considered in a woman besides wealth, beauty and external accomplishments. A good, solid moral character is of far more value than a great fortune. A woman’s character is the first thing to be considered. Sometimes young people hurry into marriage without ever pausing to ascertain whether there may not be incompatibilities and incongruities that will forever exclude happiness from their abode. Now, my dear boy, have you thought of all this?” “Certainly I have,” replied Ernest, impatiently. “Do you mean to insinuate that Miss Vanclure is destitute of moral worth?” “I did not say that. I only asked if you had thought about, as I should have said, the dissimilarity of your characters.” But, noticing Ernest’s expression of dissatisfaction, “I have not intimated that Miss Clara is morally deficient. I would only advise you to be cautious. In such matters, young people should ‘make haste slowly.’ However, I do not presume to give you advice on this subject. Every man must choose to suit himself.” “The choice I have made,” said Ernest quickly, “suits me.”