necks into one noose, two corpses into one coffin, and
this into a wet grave, for marriage is a perennial
spring of tears. Marry! Why should I bind myself
with a vow that I must break, not being by nature
continent and loving? Marry you! Yes, when I
hate you. Have I a sinistrous look to meditate such
mischief? Do I seem old enough to be a bridegroom?
Pish! I am ashamed to be so importuned."

This badinage was uttered with the fire of youth,
combined with the authority of age, accustomed to
be obeyed, and the listener offered no rejoinder; but
the speaker, having approached, gazed into her eyes
with a twinkling smile of mirth, that gradually
changed to one of fondness and pity; and kissing her
respectfully, he added in a soft tone: "Come, come,
how is the maid Amanda, how fares our charming
foundling?"

"Well," was quietly replied.

"Mona, I love that girl," he continued, assuming
a tone of deep sincerity, "for along with the whole
web of your goodness, nature has interwoven into
the fine fabric of her form a thread of my evil -- not
in the grosser sense, -- no, no; still, look after her;
the breath of passion must be stirring in her, and at
her years most maids are tinder to love's dropping
sparks. Remember, there never yet was a nun but
once had tender thoughts. Love comes unto all that
live, and with not less certainty than death's advances
-- nay, even the cold, bony frame of death itself, at
last comes wooing, and elopes with life. Now, home
and cheer your charge." And he playfully pushed
her from the room, then, throwing himself into his
chair, resumed the interrupted study of his briefs.

[[5]]

p004b _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p005w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p006

v?