It was not so dark as to prevent me from seeing the expression of Mr. Delafield’s face, and I fancied the proposition did not altogether please him. She evidently thought so too, for rather pettishly she added, “but if you wish to be rid of me, of course I’ll go.” “Ada! How foolish!” he said, sternly. “I’ve often heard you express a desire to spend a winter in New Orleans, and now that an opportunity is presented, I think you had better accept it. I shall be there a part of the time, perhaps all,” he added; and then _I_ turned away lest _my_ face should betray what was passing within. “And will you go with me to Mobile?” Ada asked of him, as a child would ask her father. “Certainly,” he answered; “I do not propose letting you go alone. But how is that side? I’d almost forgotten to ask.” “It has pained me a good deal,” said she, “but Martha dressed it nicely this afternoon, and it feels much better. I’m so glad you made me apply it, now the worst is over, for I believe it will do me good!” She spoke with every appearance of candor, and much as it surprised him, Mr. Delafield was, I thought, partially, if not wholly, convinced that what she said was true, and that he had suspected her of more than she deserved; for his manner towards her changed, and as if trying to make amends, he devoted himself to her entirely for the remainder of the evening, telling her where they would go when they were in New Orleans, and laying many plans for her pleasure. Once in his zeal he thoughtlessly threw his arm around her waist, but she instantly shrank back, saying, “don’t—don’t—you hurt!” This convinced him thoroughly, and I slept and woke twice that night ere the sound of their voices ceased upon the piazza, where their long interview was kept in countenance by Mrs. Lansing, who sat up until he left, and then patting Ada’s cheek, told her she thought “her prospects were brightening.” I thought so, too, and there was a shadow on my heart, when I saw how much they were together during the few weeks which elapsed before her departure for Mobile. It is true he was still kind to me as of old; and whenever he found that Ada, by word or look, had slighted me, he always managed to let her know how much he disapproved her conduct, so that in his presence she was usually polite, though she could not quite conceal the fact that I was to her an object of dislike.