“That may be true, dear friend; but no girl would thank you to act too rigidly on that assumption--an assumption which would condemn her to live and die an old maid. Now, my dear Dr. Goldsmith, I want you to take a practical and not a poetical view of a matter which so closely concerns the future of one who is dear to me, and in whom I am sure you take a great interest.” “I would do anything for her happiness.” “I know it. Well you have long been aware, I am sure, that she regards you with the greatest respect and esteem--nay, if I may say it, with affection as well.” “Ah! affection--affection for me?” “You know it. If you were her brother she could not have a warmer regard for you. And that is why I have come to you to-day to beg of you to yield to the entreaties of your friends at Barton and pay them a visit. Mary is there, and I hope you will see your way to use your influence with her on behalf of Colonel Gwyn.” “What! I, madam?” “Has my suggestion startled you? It should not have done so. I tell you, my friend, there is no one to whom I could go in this way, saving yourself. Indeed, there is no one else who would be worth going to, for no one possesses the influence over her that you have always had. I am convinced, Dr. Goldsmith, that she would listen to your persuasion while turning a deaf ear to that of any one else. You will lend us your influence, will you not, dear friend?” “I must have time to think--to think. How can I answer you at once in this matter? Ah, you cannot know what my decision means to me.” He had left his chair once more and was standing against the fireplace looking into the empty grate. “You are wrong,” she said in a low tone. “You are wrong; I know what is in your thoughts--in your heart. You fear that if Mary were married she would stand on a different footing in respect to you.” “Ah! a different footing!” “I think that you are in error in that respect,” said the lady. “Marriage is not such a change as some people seem to fancy it is. Is not Katherine the same to you now as she was before she married Charles Bunbury?” He looked at her with a little smile upon his face. How little she knew of what was in his heart! “Ah, yes, my dear Little Comedy is unchanged,” said he. “And your Jessamy Bride would be equally unchanged,” said Mrs. Horneck. “But where lies the need for her to marry at once?” he inquired. “If she were in love with Colonel Gwyn there would be no reason why they should not marry at once; but if she does not love him----”