"If you will only talk to him for ten minutes he will remove your

scruples,--satisfy you that all is as it should be," asserted Mrs.

Sutton, more confidently to him than herself.

"I trust it will be as you say--but credulity is not my besetting

sin. I am ready to see the gentleman at any hour you and he may see

fit to appoint."

"I will send MR. CHILTON to you at once, then." Mrs, Sutton

collected the scattering remnants of hope and resolution, that she

might deal a parting shot.

"Winston is an AWFUL trial to my temper, although he never loses his

own," she was wont to soliloquize, in the lack of a confidante to

whom she could expatiate upon his eccentricities and general

untowardness. His marked avoidance of Frederic's name in this

conference savored to her of insulting meaning. She had rather he

had coupled it with opprobious epithets whenever he referred to him,

than spoken of him as "this" or "that gentleman." If he took this

high and chilly tone, with Mabel's wooer, there was no telling what

might be the result of the affair.

"Don't mind him if he is stiff and uncompromising for a while," she

enjoined upon Frederic, in apprising him of the seignior's readiness

to grant him audience, "It is only his way, and he is Mabel's

brother."

"I will bear the latter hint in mind," rejoined the young man, with

the gay, affectionate smile he often bestowed upon her." I don't

believe he can awe me into resignation of my purpose, or provoke me

into dislike of the rest of the family."

Mabel was in her aunt's room, plying her with queries, hard to be

evaded, touching the tenor and consequences of her recent

negotiations, when a servant brought a message from her brother. She

was wanted in the study. The girl turned very white, as she prepared

to obey, without an idea of delay or of refusal.

"O Auntie! what if he should order me to give Frederic up!" she

ejaculated, pausing at the door, in an agony of trepidation. "I

never disobeyed him in my life."

"He will not do that, dear, never fear! He can find no pretext for

such summary proceedings. And should he oppose your wishes, be firm

of purpose, and do not forsake your affianced husband," advised the

old lady, solemnly. "There is a duty which takes precedence, in the

sight of Heaven and man, of that you owe your brother. Remember

this, and take courage."




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