Crossing the elm-studded lawn, he approached a secluded walk, bordered with lilacs and myrtle, and saw the figure of the governess pacing to and fro. During the four months that had elapsed since his last visit to "Solitude," he scrutinized and studied her character more closely than formerly, and the investigation only heightened and intensified his esteem. No hint of her history had ever passed the calm, patient lips, which had forgotten how to laugh, and now, as he watched her pale, melancholy face, which bore traces of extraordinary beauty, he exonerated her from all blame in the ruinous deception that had blasted more lives than one; and honored the silent heroism which so securely locked her disappointment in her own heart. He knew that consumption was the hereditary scourge of her family, that she bore in her constitution the seeds of slowly but surely developing disease, and did not marvel at the quiet indifference with which she treated symptoms which he had several times pointed out as serious and dangerous. To-day her manner was excited, and her step betrayed very unusual impatience. "Miss Dexter, from the frequency of your cough I am afraid you are imprudent in selecting this walk, which is so densely shaded that the sun does not reach it until nearly noon. Are not your feet damp?" "No, sir; my shoes are thick, and thoroughly protect them." She paused before him, and, in her soft, brown eyes, he saw a strange, unwonted restlessness,--an eager expectancy that surprised and disturbed him. "Are you at leisure this morning?" "Do you need my services immediately?" She answered evasively; and he noticed that she glanced anxiously toward the road leading into town. "You will greatly oblige me, if some time during the day, you will be so good as to superintend the preparation of some calves'-feet jelly, for one of my poor patients. I would not trouble you, but Rachel is quite sick, and the new cook does not understand the process. May I depend upon you?" "Certainly, sir; it will afford me pleasure to prepare the jelly." Looking more closely at her face, he saw undeniable traces of recent tears, and drew her arm through his. "I hope you will not deem me impertinently curious if I beg you to honor me with your confidence, and explain the anxiety which is evidently preying upon your mind." Embarrassment flushed her transparent cheek, and her shy eyes glanced up uneasily. "At least, Miss Dexter, permit me to ask whether Muriel is connected with the cause of your disquiet?" "My pupil is, I fear, very unhappy; but she withholds much from me since she learned my disapproval of her approaching marriage." "Will you acquaint me with your objections to Mr. Granville?" "Against Mr. Granville, the gentleman, I have nothing to urge; but I could not consent to see Muriel wed a man, who, I am convinced, has no affection for her." "Have you told her this?"