I cannot say that he did not have misgivings: concerning the future;—that there were not moments when he realized that honor would have required him to gain the brother's consent before he confessed his love to Gertrude;—that prudence required him to establish himself in business, and be sure that he could support a family before he undertook the responsibility of one;—that he did not sometimes question himself whether he could trust his own heart with the care of one so young and undisciplined. Occasionally the recollection of his own overbearing temper would cause him to pause, before he subjected a child, he really loved, to its chilling influence; but one glance in her bewitching eyes; one tone of her clear, silvery voice would dissipate all doubt; and his resolution would be stronger than ever to win her if it was in his power. When Miss Goldby came forth from her closet, having left her cares at the foot of the cross, she found Paul and Gertrude walking slowly back and forth across the piazza; their tones low but earnest; their attention wholly absorbed. As she busied herself in laying the table for supper, an occasional glance showed her how lovingly he bent his tall head toward her girlish form; and her heart went up to God with the petition: "May his affection for her deepen and grow more fervent from this hour." For, understanding Gertrude as she did, she knew as well as if the young couple were already standing before their minister, that they would be married at no distant day. Edward did not make his appearance until they were seated at the table; longer delay on his account being inexpedient on account of Gertrude's evening engagement, which as yet had never been postponed. When he did come in, he took his seat gravely; his face pale, but calm. He had been going over his whole acquaintance with Paul; and had come to the conclusion that Hannah was right, in her opinion. Dudley, though an agreeable friend to one of his own sex, was neither fitted by education nor by native refinement of feeling to make a wife happy. He was resolved, therefore, positively to refuse his consent; and if his wishes were set at nought, to appeal to her guardian, an old gentleman in New York city, one of his father's most valued friends. "We waited for you as long as we could," explained Gertrude, laughing in her brother's serious face. "This is my night to go away; and I always try to be punctual." "I was the one in fault," he answered without a smile, "and by the way, that reminds me that I must engage a music teacher from the city for you at once. A few quarters of thorough drilling will turn you out quite a brilliant performer." Gerty glanced uneasily in Paul's face and then meeting her brother's eye, blushed deeply, rising to hide her embarrassment. "Put on your knit sacque," urged Hannah. "There will be a fog. Hiram will be there for you at nine, as usual."