"He spoke to you?" said the doctor in astonishment, coming forward and sitting down again. "And Fidelia?" "No," answered Eunice gravely; "she is too young. I would not let him speak; and indeed he had not the chance. I would not have her disturbed by any such thoughts." "You are right. Justin was a bold man to venture to speak to you--about your sister. She is worth waiting for, if he have the courage to wait this time. Forgive me, Eunice--but I am angry with him." "You must not be angry with Justin for my sake. That is all past, Dr Everett--quite past. I did not quite know it myself until I saw him. Yes, I own I was a little afraid at the thought of his coming. But he was quite changed--another man. A better man perhaps than the Justin I loved when I was young, but different. Oh, yes, I love him still, in another way! You must see how differently, since I can say this to you." Dr Everett rose and walked several times up and down the room. Then Eunice spoke again. "There is something which I ought to have told you long ago, for I have seen that you have been feeling hard toward your brother because of me. I had written to set him free from his promise to me, long before I heard that he was going to be married. I could not leave them, you know, and could not bear that he should feel himself bound to me and regret it. I do not deny that I felt his marriage as a blow. But all that has been long past. I never grudged him any happiness he may have had, nor any happiness that may come to him. But I will not have my Fidelia disturbed by thoughts of him, for years to come. Why did he write to you?" "He gave me no particular reason. I think it was partly because he was not happy in keeping a secret from me. Foolish fellow! I knew how it was with him before he knew it himself. I was anxious only to get him away before he should betray himself to her." "He did not speak to her." "No. I think, too, he wished to bespeak for her a brother's care, now and always. That was foolish too. I do not think I love my own daughters better than I love Fidelia." "I know it. I am sure of it; and I shall feel thankful that when I leave her she will be in your care." There was silence between them for awhile. Then Eunice said-- "Dr Everett, had you any special reason for telling me this?" "For a time I hesitated, lest I might hurt you. But I felt that it would be wrong to conceal from you anything that might affect your sister's future." "It is all in God's hands. I leave it there. But I will not have Fidelia disturbed now, nor for years to come," repeated Eunice. "But not for _many_ years, Eunice? Still, you are wise. If he were to speak now, or soon, it would end all for him. Fidelia would be shocked and offended for your sake. And indeed it would be wrong for other reasons." "We will leave it all, Dr Everett. We will not speak of this again. Say to Justin,--if you say anything,--that he must wait."