"Go and tell Sibyl, my dear," said Aunt Faith to Bessie with an inward sigh. Then, as Bessie went into the house, she said, "Have you heard of Mr. Leslie's illness, Mr. Marr?" "No," replied Graham, as he stood in the doorway carelessly twirling his hat in his hand; "is he very ill?" "We do not know; we have heard only a rumor. Hugh has gone to find out the exact truth." "Ah--yes. If it is fever, no doubt he caught it in that unpleasant locality where his chapel stands," said Graham. "I have often wondered how he could endure the life he leads, but I suppose he is not fastidious. His nature is not so finely wrought, or his nerves so delicately strung as those of some other organizations." "His nature is strong and manly," replied Aunt Faith, with a shade of indignation in her voice. "Ah, yes, exactly. A man in his position has need of strength," said Graham loftily. Then, after a pause, "You have heard of my good fortune, Mrs. Sheldon?" "I have heard that your uncle was dead, Mr. Marr." "Ah--yes. Poor old gentleman! I never knew him well; we were not at all sympathetic. My grandfather's singular will has now been fulfilled, and the estate, which has rolled up to double its original value, will now be divided between my two Southern cousins and myself." "I congratulate you, Mr. Marr." "Thank you. I think I shall not discredit my fortune; I have long endeavored to cultivate the tastes which belong to wealth," said Graham with languid pride. At this moment Bessie returned. "Sibyl is in the parlor, Mr. Marr," she said; "will you walk in?" "Thanks, kind messenger," said Graham, bowing gracefully as he passed her; "Hebe could not be fairer!" "How ridiculous he is, Aunt Faith," she said, as the young man disappeared. "How can Sibyl like him? I do not really think she does like him, but I cannot make her out. When I went to her room she was as pale as a ghost, but while she was smoothing her hair, the color rose, and she began to laugh and talk as gayly as possible. Listen, now; hear her laugh. How can she be so heartless!" "Do not be too severe, Bessie. I suspect Sibyl is putting a great strain on herself to-night. She has so many good traits," said Aunt Faith with a sigh. "She has so much energy! She only needs to have the right direction given to it and she will accomplish a wonderful amount of good work if her life is spared." "But that right direction, Aunt Faith; is Graham Marr to give it?" asked Bessie with a tinge of scorn in her voice. "I do not know, dear. But Sibyl has a true heart at bottom." "I do believe you are made of charity, aunt. Your name ought to be Faith, Hope, and Charity, instead of Faith alone," said Bessie warmly. "I have learned one lesson by the experience of a long life," replied Aunt Faith, smiling; "the lesson of patience."