“You noticed it, then? You saw how sadly she was altered?” said Savage; “but did you guess the cause?” “No; how could I? Perhaps she has heard some of the unkind things Aunt Eliza is saying of her, though I cannot think how.” “Did you talk with her? Will she tell you nothing.” “No; she said very little, but her voice was full of tears. It broke my heart to see her look of suffering.” “She does suffer, then, poor girl?” “I should think so—but why? No doubt she is very anxious. You have a little of the same look. Better ask your mother at once; with so much happiness lying beyond her consent, it is a pity to lose a day in doubt.” “Not yet. I shall not speak to my mother of this yet.” “Oh! that is what troubles Anna. But why?” “Do not ask me, Georgie. The other night I could tell you every thing, but now I am full of uncertainty myself.” “But you love her; there is no doubt on that point?” she asked, eagerly. “No; unhappily. I wish——But what is the use of wishing. Let us talk of something else—the house, for instance.” “Oh! it is such a pretty duck of a house, half verandahs, half little rooms, and the rest honeysuckles and roses. Just the place for them.” “But you will want money to pay for every thing. Pray hand this to your grandmother.” “She will not take it. I asked her and she said no; she had made all the arrangements about money.” Savage turned crimson, and held the envelope, which he had extended to her, irresolutely. “Georgiana, be honest with me. Has Anna Burns refused to accept this kindness? Has any other person preceded me here?” “No, no! I am sure Anna accepted grandmamma’s help gratefully enough; and the dear old lady would not allow any person to help her if she refused you; that is, any other young person. She is not rich; grandpapa had but little when he died; but she can afford to do this.” Savage put the envelope in his pocket, sighing heavily. “So it seems I am to be put aside everywhere,” he said. “Not at all; only grandmamma thinks it best that no young man should help pay for the home she has selected for Anna Burns.” “She is right. You tell me that she has met Anna?” “Oh, yes! and liked her so much!” “Georgie!” “What is it, Mr. Savage?” “You will keep my secret? You will not mention any thing that I said to you the other day?” “How can you think I would?” “True, how could I?” “Any thing else? You seem so anxious and strange to-night.” “Yes, one thing more, Georgie. I have got you into this affair——” “Affair! Why, how you talk!” “Well, let me express myself better. It was through my mother you were introduced to Anna Burns. She really knew very little of the family.” Georgie opened her beautiful eyes wide, and sat upright in her chair, staring at him. “Why, Horace Savage, are you turning against that poor girl?” “No, no! God forbid!” “Then what is it you are trying to say and cannot?” “Nothing, only this; I shall never marry Anna Burns.” “Why, Mr. Savage, why?” “She does not love me.”