“You are much mistaken in that supposition, my dear Arthur. On the contrary, her frankness and talents interest me exceedingly, and even her faults make me anxious for a more intimate acquaintance, for I think that I might be of service in aiding her to overcome them. I am not sure, however, that she would be a suitable companion for life for my darling son, if that is what you wish to know.” “Then I must not stay here any longer,” he exclaimed, impetuously. “I have too much confidence in your judgment to believe that I could ever be happy with any one, of whose character you disapproved. I feared that it would be so.” “You are too hasty, Arthur. Why does the opinion I have expressed make it necessary for you to leave home?” “Because I have discovered that I love her too well to trust myself longer in her society,” he answered, with agitation. “Then you are right in your resolution. Why do you not make your long promised visit to Carysford Lee? If I find on further acquaintance that Ariana is worthy of your affection, you shall not long remain in ignorance of the conclusion.” “Thank you,” Arthur replied, and then sorrow of heart prevented him from adding more, but kissing affectionately his mother’s pale cheek, he hastily left the apartment. Ariana’s face was radiant with smiles when she descended to the dining-room. Her gayety, however, quickly disappeared when Arthur, who sat next to her at the table, asked abruptly, “Have you any commands for my friend, Lee? I am going this afternoon to Allendale, to remain with him for a few weeks.” Luckily for Ariana, Jane immediately exclaimed, “What, going to run away from us so soon. How will the children get along without you?” “Please don’t go, sir!” said Archie, mournfully. “I cannot finish my new bow without your help.” “I will show you about it,” said the judge, kindly, “and take you to ride on horseback behind me, just as Arthur has done.” By this time Ariana had recovered her composure, and said, with an attempt at gayety, “What a delightful time we ladies shall have with none to molest or make us afraid. The only fear will be, that I shall quite forget my saucy ways if I have no one to practice them upon.” “Suppose you should make me a target for your wit,” said the judge, playfully. “My weapons would only rebound upon myself, with so invulnerable a mark,” she replied, in a respectful tone. A conversation, in which evident constraint was visible, followed, and every one glad when the meal was at last over. An hour afterward Arthur’s horse was brought round to the door, and with an air of extreme embarrassment, he bade Mrs. Daley and Ariana a hasty farewell. The assumed indifference of the latter was so well counterfeited, that her lover rode away with the full conviction that his absence was considered as a relief. CHAPTER VII.