need we say, that there was an unusual interest, almost an excitement, felt about him, which nothing could repress. His brother Charles was as well-beloved and as popular as his father, but, then, he excited no particular interest, because he was not suspected to possess the Evil Eye, nor to have any particular connection with the devil. In this case matters stood, when one day Woodward, having dressed himself with particular care, ordered his horse, saying that he would ride over to Beech Grove and pay a visit to the Goodwins. There were none in the room at the time but Charles and his mother. The former started, and seemed uneasy at this intelligence; and his mother, having considered for a time, said: “Charles, I wish to speak to Harry.” Charles took the hint, and left the mother and son to the following dialogue:-- “Harry,” said she, “you spoke very warmly of that cunning serpent who defrauded you of your inheritance, and all of us out of our right. May I ask for what purpose you wish to cultivate an intimacy with such a scheming and dishonest crew as that?” “Faith, mother, to tell you the truth, you don't detest them, nor feel the loss of the property more than I do; but the truth is, that the game I wish to play with them will be a winning one, if I can induce them to hold the cards. I wish to get the property, and as I feel that that can't be done without marrying their milk-and-curd of a daughter, why, it is my intention to marry her accordingly.” “Then you don't marry a wife to be happy with her?” “In one sense not I--in another I do; I shall make myself happy with her property.” “Indeed, Harry, to tell you the truth, there is very little happiness in married life, and they are only fools that expect it. You see how I am treated by Lindsay and my own children.” “Well, but you provoke them--why disturb yourself with them? Why not pass through life as quietly as you can? Imitate Lindsay.” “What! make a sot of myself--become a fool, as he is?” “Then, why did you marry him?” “Because I was the fool then, but I have suffered for it. Why, he manages this property as if it wasn't mine--as if I didn't bring it to him. Think of a man who is silly enough to forgive a tenant his gale of rent, provided he makes a poor mouth, and says he is not able to pay it.” “But I see no harm in that either; if the man is not able to pay, how can he? What does Lindsay do but make a virtue of necessity. He cannot skin a flint, can he?” “That's an ugly comparison,” she replied, “and I can't conceive why you make it to me. I am afraid, Harry, you have suffered yourself to be prejudiced against the only friend--the only true friend, you have in the house. I can tell you, that although they keep fair faces to you, you are not liked here.” “Very well; if I find that to be true, they will lose more than they'll gain by it.” “They have been striving to secure your influence against me. I know it by your language.”