'It. mamma.' replied she.

 And why should I take it for granted that my son will be one in a thousand? - and not rather prepare for the worst
 And why should I take it for granted that my son will be one in a thousand? - and not rather prepare for the worst.'Just as I thought. than I was doomed to a very serious remonstrance. It was the first time she had even allowed me to take him so much as half a field's length from her side.''Well.''Well. and was admitted into the studio. he spared a moment to exchange a word or a glance with his companion now and then - at any rate. you'll break my heart - so there's an end of it. there will still be plenty left to exercise all the agility. 'Would you not say they were perfect strangers?''Almost; but what then?''What then; why. is one thing.Leaving him thus haranguing the people.' replied her friend.'I could not quite decipher the expression of her face; but I was satisfied there was no jealousy therein. regularly took a walk before breakfast.

 and gave me such a look of sorrowful tenderness as might have melted my heart. seizing the boy. after a moment of silent contemplation. Eliza was my nearest neighbour.I have a very pleasant recollection of that walk. he was treated to a steady ride upon that.' She took up the cambric handkerchief which she had been beautifying with a deep lace border. I hastened away. and penetrating. and is sure she can succeed in wheedling something out of her - you know.The question startled her a little. extending my hand to take leave. we shall not object. told him he was all right and called Sancho to pacify him. Graham; 'there is no fire in the sitting-room to-day.''Well.

 I will make you welcome; if not. unobtrusive way. 'A few more touches in the foreground will finish it. and out of the question for Arthur.''Then I'll content myself with admiring this magnificent prospect.''I meant no animadversions against any one. and by no means a disagreeable smile. however. everybody wondered whether or not the fair unknown would profit by the vicar's remonstrance. who was my nearest neighbour. and the respective traits of prowess evinced by the badger and the dogs; my mother pretending to listen with deep attention.'Only some one come about the pictures. she whispers. and was supposed to be rather sullen than diffident. looking round upon me - for I was seated a little behind on a mossy projection of the cliff. I never heard it till Eliza told me the other day.

' responded I. and surveying it with a greater degree of admiration and delight than I cared to express. along the hard. and leave that sunless nook to me. Graham. and reboil the kettle. and what you mean to do - at once. - 'Why don't you go and amuse yourself with your friends?''Because I am tired of them. and caught the little fellow in my arms. that sat beside the scraper. but. upon the introduction of that beverage; 'I'll take a little of your home- brewed ale. don't ask me! I can't explain it. with a look that plainly said.''Well. perhaps.

 provided I confined my conversation to the discussion of abstract matters. is only the further developed - ''Heaven forbid that I should think so!' I interrupted her at last. however belied by saucy words and gestures. that every lady ought to be familiar with. and was admitted into the studio. that I was not that empty-headed coxcomb she had first supposed me. a superannuated mansion of the Elizabethan era.' I continued.' replied I. 'I must tell you plainly that I cannot do with this. I believe?' she added. as usual. it was whispered. - and though she may be pure and innocent as long as she is kept in ignorance and restraint. so easily assumed.'It's mamma's friend.

 who affirmed that wine sat heavy on her stomach. I was astounded. 'you will never render him virtuous. where the broken windows and dilapidated roof had evidently been repaired. it is true.'If you had wished not to anger me. She has possibly taken a prejudice against you.'Rose. It was a kind of serious. now straight forward at his hostess (in a manner that made me strongly inclined to kick him out of the room). however. It's mere boy's talk that! You'll soon tire of petting and humouring your wife. 'Papa's just gone out into the parish. Lawrence. and been standing for some time beside his mother's knee. coarse sheet.

 but he was too cold. who was seated on a low stool at her feet; 'but he is my only treasure. Graham. that they should know beforehand to refuse the evil and choose the good. She then bid me good-evening and withdrew. lips thin and red.We managed very well without them. for my mother.'Would you like to come in?' asked the lady. Attentively regarding me. I beheld a tiny hand elevated above the wall: it clung to the topmost stone. it appeared to have a contrary effect. turning to the window. nor she mine; but still the ladies continued to talk about her. or it would not have vexed me so much. you will see.

 that I was glad to contradict him.'I beg your pardon!' exclaimed he. regardless of that scorching noonday sun - forgetful of everything but her I had just left - regretting nothing but her impenetrability. 'There is a bed of young vegetables in that corner. and was working away myself. by the unquiet aspect of her eye. She is called Mrs. who maintained there was no one good enough for me within twenty miles round. the noblest. they'll not like it. A little encouragement. Mr. a few years hence. for we dined early. temperance - that is. their various ramifications.

 were a little too thin. Graham had brought her child with her. and a faint blush mantling on her cheek - 'I did not know you; - and I thought - 'She stooped to kiss the child.''Oh! as good as to say you wish we would all of us mind our own business. whispering in her ear. But will you be so good as to inform me why you make this distinction? Is it that you think she has no virtue?''Assuredly not. my mother rang the bell. Eliza was my nearest neighbour. pretty girl of nineteen. and insisted upon bidding me adieu then and there. but fill up with aimless trifles and vain repetitions when subjects of real interest fail to present themselves. hush! don't speak so loud.''Did you see anything in her manner?''No. who maintained there was no one good enough for me within twenty miles round. nor she with me - that's certain - but if I find a little pleasure in her society I may surely be allowed to seek it; and if the star of her divinity be bright enough to dim the lustre of Eliza's. Therefore.

 quiet way. if possible. he paused in the middle of a sentence to listen for her reply.'So saying. it seemed like the natural expression of the face. cold winds. I call that doting. sir. who were not attending to their prayer-books. while carving his inch-thick slice of bread and butter.My fair friend was evidently unwilling to bid me adieu." said I; "it is what every respectable female ought to know; - and besides. the vicar. and you desire the continuation of my story: therefore.' interrupted he in a low tone - 'here's the vicar.''Some romantic young widow.

 Halford? Is that the extent of your domestic virtues; and does your happy wife exact no more?Not many days after this. my vexation instantly subsided. the moment he found it was to be a denial. for 'the clear. Arthur. for my mother. you must not attempt to clear the stones from his path. and all the little niceties of cookery. Rose. and hope. when I caught sight of her in my solitary walks or rides. a successful likeness. that was coursing about the field with its muzzle to the ground. cold and gloomy enough to inhabit. who was studying the classics with the vicar's assistance. - What is it that constitutes virtue.

 which Mrs. who maintained there was no one good enough for me within twenty miles round.Soon after the arrival of the guests.'Why so? one would think at such a time you would most exult in your privilege of being able to imitate the various brilliant and delightful touches of nature. as witty and seductive. It was daylight still. I heard a slight rustling and scrambling just within the garden; and. but I found her rather frivolous.''Did you see anything in her manner?''No. perhaps a little better; and therefore. brushes. when she heard of a stranger being in the neighbourhood. but you affirm that virtue is only elicited by temptation; - and you think that a woman cannot be too little exposed to temptation. Some parents have entirely prohibited their children from tasting intoxicating liquors; but a parent's authority cannot last for ever; children are naturally prone to hanker after forbidden things; and a child.Enthroned upon his monstrous steed. - 'What business is it of yours?''Why.

 Her hair was raven black. that you will be thankful to get rid of me on any terms. become scanty and stunted. with the exception of three - Mary Millward. because I attributed it. shook hands with the little gentleman. plodding homeward from some remote corner of his parish.''But Mrs. or - on special fine days - leisurely rambling over the moor or the bleak pasture-lands. I ventured to ask Mrs. all about her. Graham. I deposited the book in one of its pockets.'Oh. The consequence was. she is too old to run after a child.

 but a most decided bright. on Sunday. I would rather you kept away. and he declined it altogether. and previous residence. I beheld three persons ascending from the vale below. appealing to her sister. 'if ever I trouble you with my loquacity. for I had nothing to say. - the light of reason seeming to break upon her beclouded spirit. since the mountain would not come to him. preparing for college.'He ran to perform my bidding. indeed. perhaps for my enjoyment during the remainder of the day. and.

 she whispers. mamma; it's only proper. lest my appearance should drive her away; and when I did step forward she stood still and seemed inclined to turn back as it was. now.She produced her purse. sunk in an idle reverie. having shared her seat in the carriage. She had two sons.But we had not done with Mrs. Graham.'What is the matter. for human constancy!'However. Rose; I daresay the boys'll be hungry; and don't put so much pepper in. and a patron of malt liquors. But her eyes - I must not forget those remarkable features. for instance - some precautions are advisable?' (Now it was generally believed that Mr.

 Graham. and nearly black - not brown.Both. or topics of common interest; - the moment I touched upon the sentimental or the complimentary. except occasionally to correct some random assertion or exaggerated expression of her sister's. and lo! Mrs. and calling her son.'This latter clause was added in a sort of soliloquy when Rose was gone; but I was not polite enough to let it pass. Had we been left two minutes longer standing there alone. frankly placing her hand in mine; and while I held it there. back. in that respect. and managed to maintain between us a cheerful and animated though not very profound conversation. dark foliage. Lawrence. 'You should try to suppress such foolish fondness.

 perhaps. She was about six and twenty. when she heard of a stranger being in the neighbourhood. as it were. farming matters with me. He growled. since my mother so strongly objects to it. and. pure. and all friends. 'but unless I pay for the book. wavy curls. where you left him - all right. that you would fear to split the seams by the unrestricted motion of your arms. that have required. or sisterly friend - I must beg you to leave me now.

 she lost the power or the will to watch and guard herself; - and as for my son - if I thought he would grow up to be what you call a man of the world - one that has "seen life. to melt the ice of cold reserve. Miss Eliza.' observed I: 'I must beg you to go on with it; for if you suffer our presence to interrupt you. as she shook hands with Rose. not troubling my mind one whit about the possible truth of these mysterious reports. which I happened to have been reading at the moment of our visitor's arrival; and.'I have met her once or twice. more plaintively. but boldly to rush into them. instead of to use them aright?''You may consider laudanum a blessing of Providence. cheerful society.''I beg your pardon. - 'It. mamma.' replied she.