“Have you reflected sufficiently on your decision, my Ellen?” she said, after thanking her for the confidence she reposed in her.  “Have you thought well on the estimable character of this young man?  Far be it from me to urge or persuade you in such an important matter as marriage, but you have not, I trust, answered this letter on the impulse of the moment?”

“No, aunt, I have not indeed.  Herbert has been most earnestly pleading Captain Cameron’s cause, and I have thought on all he has said, and the little I can bring forward to combat it, but still I have refused him, because as a husband I can never love him.  I honour all his good qualities.  I cannot remember one fault or failing in his character, which might render a wife unhappy.  I grieve for his disappointment, but I should not think I was doing either him or myself justice, to accept him merely on these considerations.  Herbert, I know, considers me romantic, and perhaps unkind towards his friend; but painful as such an idea is, I cannot act otherwise than I have done.”

“Do not let that idea, then, continue to give you pain, my dear girl; your manner towards Walter has never expressed more than kindness and friendly regard.  If I had seen anything like encouragement to him on your part, do you not think I should have called you to account long ago?” she added, with a smile, as Ellen, much relieved, kissed her in silence.  “Our young folks have, I know sometimes in sport, allied your name with his, but I have generally checked them.  Walter I certainly did fancy admired you, but I did not imagine the feeling so decided as it has proved.  I will not blame your decision, though perhaps it may not be a very wise one.  Marriage is too serious a thing to be entered upon lightly, and if you cannot love Walter as a husband, why you are quite right not to accept him.  I am not so eager to part with my Ellen as to advise her marrying, whether she likes it or not.  I shall soon have only you to cheer my old age, you know.  Do not look so pained and sad, love; it is not thus young ladies in general refuse an offer.  Go and give your letter to Herbert, tell him it has my unqualified approval, and then return to me.  I marked some beautiful passages in one of our favourite authors the other day and you shall read them to me.  Now run away, and come back quickly.”

Ellen obeyed gladly and gratefully, and was enabled playfully to return the smile with which Herbert received her letter and his mother’s message.  Mrs. Hamilton felt more and more convinced that her suspicions were correct, and that her niece’s affections were unhappily engaged.  She thought again and again who could be their object, and still she fancied it was Arthur Myrvin.  She scarcely knew why herself, except from Ellen’s agitation the night of his arrival at Oakwood, and engagement with Emmeline.  That Herbert was the object was to her so improbable, that the idea never crossed her mind.  They had