CHAPTERIII。
　　ITwasquiteearlyonthefollowingmorning，whenMr。DelafieldrungatthedoorofthehouseinwhichthefatherofMissHenlyresided。Thegentlemanhadobtainedthepermissionoftheyounglady，theprecedingevening，toputhimselfonthelistofhervisitingacquaintance，andacasualintroductiontobothofCharlotte’sparentshadsmoothedthewaytothisintimacy。Itiscertain，that，muchasMr。andMrs。Henlylovedtheirchild，neitherofthementertainedtheselfishwishofmonopolizingallofheraffectionstothemselvesduringlife。Itwasnatural，andathingtoheexpected，thatCharlotteshouldmarry;andamongthewholeoftheiracquaintancethereappearednoonesounobjectionableashernewadmirer。Hewasagreeableinperson，inmanners，andintemper;hewasintelligent，witty，andamanoftheworld;and，moreover，hewasworth——threehundredthousanddollars！Whatparentistherewhosejudgmentwouldremainunbiassedbythesesolidreasonsinfavourofacandidateforthehandofhischild？orwhatfemaleistherewhoseheartcouldbesteeledagainstsuchattractionsinhersuitor？ManywerethehoursofcarethathadbeenpassedbytheguardiansofCharlotte’shappiness，inruminatingontheeventthatwastoyieldtheirchargetothekeepingofanother;frequentweretheirdiscussionsonthisinterestingsubject，andinnumerabletheirplanstoprotectherinexperienceagainstfallingintothoseerrorsthathadblastedthepeaceofsomanyaroundthem;buttheappearanceofSeymourDelafieldseemedasthefulfilmentoftheirmostsanguineexpectations。Tohisrefinementofmanners，theyboththoughtthattheycouldyieldthesensitivedelicacyoftheirchildwithconfidence;
　　inhistravelledexperiencetheyanticipatedthepermanencyofacorrectedtaste;nor，wasitadisagreeableconsiderationtoeither，thatasthesilkencordofpaternaldisciplinewastobeloosened，itwastobesucceededbythefettersofhymencastinpolishedgold。InwhatmannertheirdaughterregardedtheevidentadmirationofMr。
　　Delafieldwillappear，byherconclusionofourtale。
　　Onenteringtheparlour，DelafieldfoundGeorgeMortonseatedinachairnearthefire，withhispersonmorethanusuallywellguardedagainstthecold，asifheweresufferingundertheeffectsofaseriousindisposition。Thesalutationsbetweentheyoungmenwerealittleembarrassedonbothsides;
　　thefaceofGeorgegrowingevenpalerthanbefore，whilethefinecolouronDelafield’scheekmountedtohisverytemples。Afterregardingforamoment，withmuchinwarddissatisfaction，theapparenteasewithwhichGeorgewasmaintainingpossessionoftheapartmentbyhimself，Mr。
　　Delafieldovercamethesuddenemotioncreatedbythesurprise，andspoke。
　　"Iamsorrythatyouappearsoill，Mr。Morton，andI
　　regretthatyoushouldhavesufferedsomuchinthecauseofhumanity，whenonesomuchbetterabletoundergothefatigue，byconstitution，shouldhaveremainedanidlespectator，likemyself。"——
　　ThesilentbowofGeorgemightbeinterpretedintoadesiretosaynothingofhisownconduct，orintoanassentwiththeself-condemnationofthespeaker。Delafield，however，tookthechairwhichtheotherpolitelyplacedforhim，andcontinued——
　　"But，Sir，youhaveyourreward。TheinterestandadmirationexcitedinMissHenly，wouldcompensatemeforalmostanyprivationorhardshipthatmancouldundergo。"
　　"Itisnohardshiptorideafewmilesinacomfortablecoach，"saidGeorge，withafeeblesmile，"norcanIconsideritaprivationofenjoyment，tobeabletoassistthedistressed，"——hehesitatedamoment，andaflushgraduallystoleoverhisfeaturesashecontinued，"Itistrue，Sir，thatIprizethegoodopinionofMissHenlyhighly，butIlooktoanotherquarterforapprobationonsuchasubject。"
　　"Andveryjustly，George，"saidthesoftvoiceofCharlotte，"suchapplauseasminecanbebutoflittlemomenttoonewhoperformssuchactsasyours。"
　　Thegentlemenweresittingwiththeirfacestowardsthefire，andhadnotheardthelightstepofMissHenlyassheenteredtheapartment，butbothinstantlyaroseandpaidtheirsalutations;theinvalidbyasilentbow，andbyhandingachair，andDelafieldwithmanyagracefulcomplimentonhergoodlooks，anddiversprotestationsconcerningthepleasurehefeltatbeingpermittedtovisitatherhouse。Notwothingscouldbemoredifferentthanthemannersofthesegentlemen。Thatofthelatterwasveryhighlypolished，insinuating，andalthoughfarfromunpleasantlyso，yetslightlyartificial;
　　whilethatoftheformerwassimple，ingenuous，andinthepresenceofMissHenlywasapttobeattimesalittleconstrained。Charlottecertainlyperceivedthedifference，andsheascertainlythoughtthatitwasnotaltogethertotheadvantageofGeorgeMorton。Theideaseemedtogiveherpain，forsheshowedseverallittleattentionstoheroldfriend，thatbytheirflattering，butunstudiedparticularity，wereadaptedtoputanymanathiseaseandassurehimofhiswelcome，stilltheembarrassmentofGeorgedidnotdisappear，buthesatanuneasylistenertotheconversationthatoccurred，asifreluctanttostay，andyetunwillingtodepart。Afterafewobservationsontheentertainmentoftheprecedingevening，Mr。
　　Delafieldcontinued——
　　"IwaslamentingtoMr。Morton，asyouentered，thatheshouldhavesufferedsomuchfrommywantofthought，thedaybeforeyesterday;itrequiresagoodconstitutiontoendureexposure——"
　　"AndsuchIoftentellyou，George，youdonotpossess，"saidCharlotte，kindlyandwithalittlemelancholy;"yetyouneitherseemtoregardmywarningsonthesubject，northoseofanyofyourfriends"——
　　"ThereisawarningthatIhavenotdisregarded，"
　　returnedtheyouth，endeavouringtosmile。
　　"Andwhatisit？"askedCharlotte，struckwiththemelancholyresignationofhismanner。
　　"ThatIamnotfitcompany，justnow，forheartsasgayasyoursandMr。Delafield’s，"hereturned，andrising，hemadeahastybowandwithdrew。
　　"Whatcanhemean！"saidCharlotte，inamazement，"Georgedoesnotappearwell，andlatterlyhismannerismuchaltered——whatcanhemean，Mr。
　　Delafield？"
　　"Heisill，"saidDelafield，farfromfeelingquiteeasyattheevidentinterestthattheladyexhibited;"heisill，andshouldbeinhisbed，insteadofattendingthemorningleveesofevenMissHenly。"
　　"Indeed，heistooregardlessofhishealth，"saidCharlotteinalowtone，fixinghereyesonthegrate，whereshecontinuedgazingforsometime。
　　EveryeffortofSeymourwasmadetodrawofftheattentionoftheyoungladyfromasubject，that，howevermelancholy，seemedtopossesspeculiarcharmsforher。InthisundertakingthegentlemanwouldnothavesucceededbutforthefortunateappearanceofMissOsgood，whocameintotheroomveryopportunelytokeepalivethediscourse。
　　"What，tete-a-tete！"exclaimedMaria;"youshoulddischargeyourfootman，Charlotte，forsayingthatyouwereathome。Ayoungladyisneversupposedtobeathomewhensheisalone——withagentleman。"
　　"IshallthenknowhowtounderstandtheservantofMr。Osgood，whenIinquireforhisdaughter，"criedSeymourgayly。
　　"Ah！Mr。Delafield，itisseldomthatIhaveanopportunityofhearingsoftthings，forIamneveralonewithagentlemaninmyfather’shouse"——
　　"AndisMrs。Osgoodsorigid？"returnedthegentleman;"surelythegravityofherdaughtershouldcreatemoreconfidence"——
　　"MosthumblyIthankyou，Sir，{"}saidMaria，courtseyinglowbeforeshetookthechairthathehanded;"butitisnotthecautionofMrs。Osgoodthatpreventsanysolosinhermansion，unlessitbeonaharporflute，oranypossibilityofatete-a-
　　tete。"
　　"Nowyouhaveexcitedmycuriositytoadegreethatispainfullyunpleasant，"saidDelafield，"I
　　knowyoutobetoogenerousnottoallayit"——
　　"Oh！itisnothingmorethanamagicalnumber，thatfrightensawayallapplicantsforsuchafavour，unlessindeeditmaybesuchaswouldnotbeverylikelytobesuccessfulweretheytoapply;andwhichevenwouldrenderitphysicallyimpossibletohaveatenderinterviewwithinthefourwallsofthemansion"——
　　"Itisacharmednumber，indeed！andisitonthedoor？isitthenumberofthehouse？"
　　"Oh！notatall——onlythenumberofthefamily，thebaker’sdozen，thatImentionedlastevening;nowinvisitingMissHenlythereisnosuchinterruptiontobeapprehended。"
　　Charlottecouldnotrefrainfromsmilingatthevivacityofherfriend，who，perceivingthatherwishtobanishthelookofcarethatcloudedthebrowoftheotherhadvanished，changedthediscourseasabruptlyasshehadintroducedit。
　　"ImetGeorgeMortonatthedoor，andchattedwithhimforseveralminutes。Heappearsquiteill，butI
　　knowhehasgonetwomilesinthecountryforhismotherthisrawday;unlessheismorecarefulofhimselfhewillruinhisconstitution，whichisnoneofthebestnow。"
　　Mariaspokewithfeeling，andwithamannerthatplainlyshowedthatherordinarylevitywasassumed，andthatshehadatthebottom，muchbetterfeelingsthanthetriflingintercourseoftheworldwouldusuallypermithertoexhibit。Charlottedidnotreply，butherbrighteninglooksoncemorechangedtothatpensivesoftnesswhichsowellbecameherdelicatefeatures，andwhichgavetohercountenanceanexpressionsuchasmightbesupposedtoshadowthegloryofangels，when，fromtheirabodeofpurityandlove，theylookdownwithpityonthesorrowsofman。
　　ThequickglanceofDelafieldnotonlywatched，buteasilydetected，boththerapidtransitionsandthecharacteroftheseoppositeemotions。Underthesuddeninfluenceofpassions，thatprobablywillnotescapeourreaders，hecouldnotforbearuttering，inatoneinwhichpiquemighthavebeentooapparent。
　　"Really，Mr。Mortonisahappyfellow！"
　　TheblueeyesofCharlottewereturnedtothespeakerwithalookofinnocentinquiry，butshecontinuedsilent。Maria，however，notonlybestowedaglanceattheyouthfromherlaughinghazelones，butfoundutteranceforhertonguealso。
　　"Howso？"sheasked——"Heisnotofastrongconstitution，notimmenselyrich，noroverandabove——thatis，notparticularlyhandsome。Whyishesohappy？"
　　"Ah！Ihavediscoveredthatamanmaybehappywithoutoneofthosequalifications。"
　　"Andmiserablewhohasthemall？"
　　"Nay，nay，MissOsgood，myexperiencedoesnotextendsofar——Iamnotquitethepuppyyouthinkme。"
　　Maria，inherturn，wassilent;butshearosefromherseat，andmovedwithanabsentairtoadistantpartoftheroom，andforashorttimeseemedtobeparticularlyoccupiedinexaminingthebeautiesofaport-folioofprints，witheveryoneofwhichshewasperfectlyfamiliar。Theconversationwasresumedbyherfriend。
　　"YouhavemortifiedMissOsgood，Mr。Delafield，"
　　saidCharlotte;"sheistoogoodnaturedtojudgeanyonesoharshly。"
　　"Ishergoodnature，inthisparticular，infectious？"
　　theyoungmanratherwhisperedthanutteredaloud——"Doesherfriendfeelthesameindulgencefortheinfirmitiesofafrailnaturetowhichshereallyseemsherselfhardlytobelong？"
　　"Youcomplimentme，Mr。Delafield，attheexpenseoftruth，ifitreallybeacomplimenttotellmethatIamnotagirl——afemale;forifIamnotawoman，Imustbesomethingworse。"
　　"Youareanangel！"saidDelafield，withuncontrollablefervour。
　　Charlottewasstartledbyhismannerandhiswords，andunconsciouslyturnedtoherfriend，asiftoseekherprotectingpresence;buttoherastonishment，shebeheldMariaintheactofclosingthedoorasshewasleavingtheroom。
　　"Maria！"shecried，"whitherinsuchahurry？I
　　expectedyoutopassthemorningwithme。"
　　"Ishallseeyourmotherandreturn，"repliedMissOsgood，closingthedoorsorapidlyastopreventfurtherremark。Thisshortspeech，however，gaveCharlottetimetoobservethechangethatsomethinghadproducedinthecountenanceofheroldcompanion，where，inplaceofthethoughtlessgaietythatusuallyshoneinherfeatures，wastobeseenanexpressionofpainfulmortification;andeventhehighglowthatyouthandhealthhadimpartedtohercheeks，wassupplantedbyadeath-
　　likepaleness。DelafieldhadbeenendeavouringtoperusethecountenanceofMissHenlyinavainefforttodiscovertheeffectproducedbyhiswarmexclamation;andtheseobservations，whichweremadebythequickeyeoffriendship，entirelyescapedhisnotice。
　　"Mariaisnotwell，Mr。Delafield，"Charlottesaidhastily。"IknowyourgoodnesswillexcusemewhileIfollowher。"
　　Theyoungmanbowedwithamortifiedair，andwassomewhatungraciouslybeginningtomakeapolitereply，whenthedooropenedashortspace，andthevoiceofMissOsgoodwasoncemoreheard，sayinginaforced，butlivelymanner——
　　"Ineverwasbetterinmylife;IshallrunintoMrs。
　　Morton’sfortenminutes;letmefindyouhere，Mr。
　　Delafield，whenIreturn。"Herfootstepwasheardtrippingalongthepassage，andinamomentafter，thestreetdoorofthehouseopenedandshut。
　　Charlotteperceivingthatherfriendwasdetermined，forsomeinexplicablereason，tobealone，quietlyresumedherseat。Hermusingairwassoonchangedtooneofsurprise，bythefollowingremarkofhercompanion：
　　"Youappear，MissHenley，"hesaid，"tobesensitivelyalivetotheailingsofallyouknowbutme。"
　　"Ididnotknowthatyouwereill，Mr。Delafield！
　　Really，sir，Inevermetwithanygentleman’slookswhichsobeliedhim，ifyouareotherwisethanbothwellandhappy。"
　　AsmuchexperienceasDelafieldpossessedinthetriflingmanoeuvresofmanagers，orperhapsinthemanifestationsoffeelingsthatareexhibitedbyevery-daypeople，hewasanabsolutenoviceintheemotionsofapure，simple，ingenuousfemaleheart。Hewasalivetothecomplimenttohisacknowledgedgoodlooks，conveyedinthisspeech，buthewasnotabletoappreciatethesingle-
　　heartednessthatpromptedit。Perhapshishandsomefacewasasmuchilluminatedbytheconsciousnessofthisemotionasbythedeeperfeelingheactuallyexperienced，whilehereplied，——
　　"Iamwell，orill，asyoudecree。MissHenley;itisimpossiblethatyoushouldliveintheworld，andbeseen，beknownasyouare，andmusthavebeenseenandknown，andnotlongsincelearnedthepoweryoupossessoverthehappinessofhundreds。"
　　ThoughCharlottewassimple，unsuspecting，pure，andextremelymodest，shewasfarfromdull——shewasnotnowtolearnthedifferencebetweenthelanguageofordinarytriflingandgeneralcompliment，andthattowhichshenowlistened，andwhich，howevervague，wasstillsoparticularastoinducehertoremainsilent。Thelooksandmanneroftheyouthfulfemale，atthatmoment，wouldhavebeenastudytothosewholovetodwellonthebetterandpurerbeingsofcreation。Shewassilent，aswehavealreadyremarked，becauseshecouldmakenoanswertoaspeechthateithermeanteverythingornothing。Theslighttingethatusuallywasseatedonhercheekspreadingoveritswholesurfacelikethefaintestglowofsunsetblending，bymellowdegrees，withthesurroundingclouds，washeightenedtorichness，andevendiffuseditselflikeareflection，acrossherpolishedforehead，becauseshebelievedshewasabouttolistentoadeclarationthatheryearsandhereducationunitedtotellherwasnevertoapproachfemaleearswithoutslightlytrespassingonthedelicacyofhersex。Hermildblueeyes，beamingwiththeglowonherface，roseandfellfromthecarpettothecountenanceofDelafield，butchieflydweltinopencharity，andpossiblyinanxiety，onhisown。Infact，therewasthrownaroundherwholeair，suchatouchofexquisiteandshrinkingdelicacy，soblendedwithfeelingbenevolence，andeventenderinterest，thatitwasnowonderthataman，handsometoperfection，young，intelligent，andrich，mistookherfeelings。
　　"Pardonme，MissHenley，"hecried，andtheapologywasunconsciouslypaidtothecommandingpurityanddignityofherair，"ifIoversteptherulesofdecorum，andhastentodeclarethatwhichI
　　knowyearsoftrialwouldhardlyjustifymysaying;
　　butyourbeauty，yourgrace，your————your————whereshallIfindwordstoexpressit？——yourloveliness，yes，thatmeanseverything——yourlovelinesshasnotbeenseenwithimpunity。"
　　Thismighthavedoneverywellforasuddenandunprepareddeclaration;butbeingalittleindefinite，itfailedtoextractareply，hislistenergivingarespectful，and，attimes，aratherembarrassingattentiontowhathewastoadd。Afterashortpause，theyouth，whofoundwordsasheproceeded，andwithwhom，aswithallothers，thefirstspeechwasthemostdifficult，continued——
　　"Ihaveknownyoubutashorttime，MissHenley;
　　buttoseeyouonceistoseeyoualways。Yousmile，MissHenley，butgivemeleavetohopethattimeandassiduitywillenablemetobringyoutosuchastateoffeeling，thatinsomedegree，youmayknowhowtoappreciatemysensations。"
　　"IfIsmile，Mr。Delafield，"saidCharlotteinalowbutdistinctvoice，"itisnotatyou，butatmyself。I，whohavebeenforseventeenyearsconstantlywithCharlotteHenley，findeachdaysomethingnewinher，nottoadmire，buttoreprehend。"Shepausedamoment，andthenadded，smilingmostsweetlyasshespoke，"Iwillnotaffecttomisunderstandyou，Mr。Delafield;yourlanguageisnotveryintelligible，butitissuchthatIamsureyouwouldnotusetomeifyouwerenotserious，anddidnotfeel，orratherthinkyoufeelwhatyouutter。"
　　"ThinkIfeel？"heechoed。"Don’tIknowit？CanI
　　bemistakeninmyownsentiments？Imaybemisledinyours——mayhaveflatteredmyselfwithbeingabletoaccomplishthatatsomedistantday，whichyourobduracymaydenyme，butinmyownfeelingsIcannotbemistaken。"
　　"Notwheretheyaresoverynew;nay，donotstartsoeagerly——wheretheyMUSTbesoverynew。
　　Surelyyourfancyonlyleadsyoutosaysomuch，andto-morrow，ornextday，yourfancy，unlessencouragedbyyoutodwellonmyunworthyself，willleadyouelsewhere。"
　　"Now，MissHenley，whatImostadmireinyourcharacterisitslovelyingenuousness，itssimplicity，itsHEART;andIwillownIdidnotexpectsuchananswertoaquestionput，likemine，insincerityandtruth。"
　　"IfIhavefailedtoansweranyquestionyouhaveputtome，Mr。Delafield，itisbecauseIamunconsciousthananywasasked;andifIhavedisplayeddisengenuousness，wantofsimplicity，orwantoffeeling，ithasbeenunintentional，Idoassureyou;andonlyprovesthatIcanbeguiltyoferrors，withouttheirbeingdetectedbyonewhohasknownmesolongandsointimately。"
　　"Myimpetuosityhasdeceivedmeanddistressedyou，"saidDelafield——"IwouldhavesaidthatIloveyouardently，passionately，andconstantly，andshallforeverloveyou。Ishouldhaveaskedyourpermissiontosayallthistoyourparents，toentreatthemtopermitmetoseeyouoften，toaddressyou;and，ifitwerenotimpossible，tohopethatintimetheywouldconsenttointrustmewiththeirgreatesttreasure，andthatyouwouldnotopposetheirdecree。"
　　"Thisiscertainlyaskingmanyquestionsinabreath，"saidCharlottesmiling，butwithouteitherironyortriumph;"andwereitnotforthatword，breath，Ishouldexperiencesomeuneasinessatwhatyousay;Ifindgreatsatisfaction，Mr。
　　Delafield，inreflectingthatouracquaintanceisnotaweekold。"
　　"Aweekistimeenoughtolearntoadoresuchabeingasyouare，MissHenley，thoughanagewouldnotsufficetodojusticetoyourmerits。Say，haveI
　　yourpermissiontospeaktoyourfather？Idonotaskyouyettoreturnmyaffection——nay，IquestionifyoucaneverloveasIdo。"
　　"Perhapsnot，"saidCharlotte;"Icanloveenoughtofeelagreatanddeepinterestinthosewhoaredeartome，butIneveryethaveexperiencedsuchemotions，asyoudescribe——Ibelieve，inthisparticular，youhaveformedajustopinionofme，Mr。Delafield;Isuspectsuchpassionsarenotinthecompassofmyfeelings。"
　　"Theyare，theymustbe，MissHenley：allowmetoseeyouoften，tospeaktoyourfather，andatleasttohope——mayInothopethatintimeyouwilllearntothinkmeamantobetrustedwithyourhappinessasyourhusband？"
　　ThequietwhichhadgovernedthemannerofCharlotteduringthisdialogue，wassensiblyaffectedbythisappeal，andforashorttimesheappearedtoomuchembarrassedtoreply。Duringthisinterval，Delafieldgazedonher，indelight;forwiththesanguinefeelingsofyouth，heinterpretedeverysymptomofemotioninhisownfavour。
　　Finding，however，thatshewasdistressedforareply，herenewedhissuit——
　　"ThoughIhaveknownyoubutafewdays，IfeelasifIhadknownyouforyears。Thereare，Ibelieve，MissHenley，spiritsintheworldwhocommunewitheachotherimperceptibly，whoseemformedforeachother，andwhoknowandloveeachotherasbyinstinct。"
　　"Ihavenopretensionstobelongtothatclass，"
　　saidCharlotte;"Imustknowwelltolovealittle，butItrustIfeelkindsentimentstothewholehumanrace。"
　　"Ah，youdonotknowyourself。YouhavelivedallyourlifeintheneighbourhoodofthatMr。Mortonwhojustwentout，andyoufeelpityforhisillness。
　　Hedoesindeedlookveryill——butyouhaveyettolearnwhatitistolove。Iaskthehighfavourofbeingpermittedtoattempttheofficeof——of——of——"
　　"Ofteachingme！"saidCharlottewithasmile。"
　　{sic}
　　"No——thatwordistoopresumptuous——toocoarse——"
　　"Hearme，Mr。Delafield，"saidMissHenleyafterashortpause，duringwhichsheseemedtohaveexperiencedsomedeepandperhapspainfulemotions——"Icannotundertaketogiveyouareasonformyconduct——verypossiblyIhavenogoodone;
　　butIfeelthatIshouldbedoingyouinjusticebyencouragingwhatyouarepleasedtocallhopes——I
　　wishtobeunderstoodnow，assayingthatIcannotconsenttoyourexpectingthatIshouldeverbecomeyourwife。"
　　Delafieldwascertainlyastonishedatthisrefusal，whichwasgiveninthatstill，decidedmannerthatadmitsoflittleopposition。Hehadlongbeenaccustomedtoapprehendasuddenacceptance，andhadbeeninthehabitofstrictlyguardingbothhismannerandhislanguage，lestsomethingthathedidorsaidmightjustifyexpectationsthatwouldhavebeenoutofhispowertofulfil;butnow，when，forthefirsttime，hehadventuredadirectoffer，hemetwitharejectionthatpossessedallthecharacteristicsofsincerity，hewas，intruth，utterlyastounded。Aftertakingasufficienttimetocollectinsomedegreehisfaculties，hecametotheconclusionthathehadbeentooprecipitate，andhadurgedthesuittoofar，andtoohastily。
　　"Suchmaybeyoursentimentsnow，MissHenley，"
　　hesaid，"butyoumayalterthemintime：youarenotcalledonforadefiniteanswer。"
　　"Ifnotbyyou，Iambytruth，Mr。Delafield。Itwouldbewrongtoleadyoutoexpectwhatcannever——"
　　"Never？"saidDelafield——"youcannotspeaksodecidedly。"
　　"Ido，indeedIdo，"returnedCharlottefirmly。
　　"Ihavenotdeceivedmyselfinbelievingyoutobedisengaged，MissHenley？"
　　"Youhavearighttorequireadefiniteanswertoyourquestions，Mr。Delafield;butyouhavenorighttoexactmyreasonsfordecliningyourveryflatteringoffer——Iamyoung，veryyoung——butIknowwhatisduetomyselfandtomysex——"
　　"Byheavens！mysuspicionistrue——youarealreadybetrothed！"
　　"ItwouldbeeasytosayNOtothatassertion，sir，"
　　addedCharlotte，rising;"butyourrighttoareasoninamatterwhereinclinationissomaterial，isexactlythesameasmyrightwouldbetoaskyouwhyyoudidnotaddressme。Ithankyouforthepreferenceyouhaveshownme，Mr。Delafield。I
　　havenotsolittleofthewomanaboutme，nottorememberitalwayswithgratitude;butItellyouplainlyandfirmly，foritisnecessarythatIshoulddoso——Inevercanconsenttoreceiveyourproposals。"
　　"Iunderstandyou，madam——Iunderstandyou，"saidtheyoungmanwithanoffendedair;"youwishmyabsence——nay，MissHenley，hearmefurther。"
　　"Nofurther，Mr。Delafield，"interruptedCharlotte，advancingtohimwithakind，butunembarrassedair，andofferingherhand——"wepartfriendsatleast;
　　butIthink，nowweknoweachother’ssentiments，wehadbetterseparate。"
　　Thegentlemanseizedthehandsheoffered，andkisseditmorewiththeairofalover，thanofanoffendedman，andlefttheroom。Afewminutesafterhehadgone，MissOsgoodre-appeared。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　NOTWITHSTANDINGtheearnestinjunctionthatMariahadgiventoMr。Delafieldtocontinuewhereshelefthim，untilherreturn，sheexpressednosurpriseatnotfindinghimintheroom。Thecountenanceofthisyoungladyexhibitedadrollmixtureofplayfulmirthandsadness;sheglancedhereyesoncearoundtheapartment，andperceivingitwasoccupiedonlybyherfriend，shesaid，laughing——
　　"Well，Charlotte，whenisittobe？IthinkIretiredinverygoodseason。"
　　"Perhapsyoudid，Maria，"returnedtheother，withoutraisingherfacefromthereflectingattitudeinwhichshestood——"Ibelieveitisallverywell。"
　　"Well！youlittlephilosopher——Ishouldthinkitwasexcellent——that——thatis——ifIwereinyourplace。I
　　suspectedthisfromthemomentyoumet。"
　　"Whathaveyoususpected，Maria？——whatisityouimaginehasoccurred？"
　　"What！whySeymourDelafieldhasbeenstammering——thenhelookeddoleful——thenhesighed——thenhehemmed——thenhesaidyouwereanangel——nay，youneednotlookprudish，andaffecttodenyit;hegotasfarasthatbeforeIlefttheroom——thenheturnedtoseeifIwerenotcomingbackagaintosurprisehim——thenhefellonhisknees——thenhestretchedouthishandsomehand——
　　itistoohandsomeforaman’shand！——andsaidtakeit，takeme，takemyname，andtakemythreehundredthousanddollars！——Nowdon’tdenyasyllableofittillItellyouranswer。"
　　Charlottesmiled，andtakingherwork，quietlyseatedherselfathertablebeforeshereplied——
　　"YougothroughCupid’sexercisesodexterously，Maria，oneisledtosuspectyouhaveseensomeservice。"
　　"Notundersuchanofficer，girl！Ah！ColonelDelafield，orGeneral——no，FieldMarshalDelafield，isanofficerthatmightteach"——asMissOsgoodspokewithshortinterruptionsbetweenherepithets，asifinsearchofproperterms，shedweltamomentonthelastwordinsuchamannerastogiveitaparticularemphasis——Charlottestarted，moreperhapsfromthemannerthantheexpression，andturningherglowingfacetowardsherfriend，shecriedinvoluntarily——
　　"Isitpossiblethatyoucouldhaveoverheard——"
　　"What？"
　　"Nothing——whatnonsense！"
　　"Letmetellyou，MissPrude，itisinsuchnonsense，however，thatthehappinessormiseryofuspoorsportsoffortune，calledwomen，inagreatmeasurebloomsorfades——nowthatIcallpoetical！——butforyouranswer：firstyousaid——indeed，Mr。Delafield，thisisSOunexpected——-thoughyouknewwellenoughwhatwascoming——thenyoublushedasyoudidalittlewhileago，andsaidIamsoyoung——I——
　　ambutpoorseventeen——thenhesworeyouwereseventy——no，no，——buthesaidyouareoldenoughtobehisrulingstar——hisdestiny——hisidol——hisobjectofWORSHIP——ha！Idohittherightepithetnowandthen。Well——thenyousaidyouhadparents，asifthepoormandidnotknowthatalready，andthattheymustbeconsulted;andhedesiredyoutoaskthewholecity——hedefiedthemalltosayaughtagainsthim——hewasregularatchurch——subscribedtothewidow’ssociety，andtheassembly;andinshort，wascalleda’good’youngman，eveninWall-
　　street。"
　　"Allthisisveryamusing，Maria——but——"
　　"Itisallverytrue。Thenhewaspressing，andyouwerecoy，untilfinallyheextortedyourdefinitiveanswer，whichwas——"Mariapaused，andseemedtobeintenselystudyingthelooksoftheother——MissHenleysmiledassheturnedherplacid，ingenuousfeaturestohergaze，andcontinuedtheconversationbyrepeating，"Whichwas？"
　　"NO;irretrievable——unanswerable——unalterableNO。"
　　"Ihavenotauthorizedyoutosuspectanypartofthisrhapsodytobetrue——Ihavenotsaidyouwererightinasingleparticular。"
　　"Excuseme，MissHenley，youhavesaidall，andSeymourDelafieldtoldmethesameaswepassedeachotheratthestreetdoor。"
　　"Isitpossible！"
　　"Itcouldnotbeotherwise。Hismouthwasshut，itistrue，andhistonguemighthavebeeninhispocket，foranythingIknow：buthiseyesandhishead，hiswalk，andevenhisnoseweredowncast，andspokemortification。Ontheotherhand，yourlittlebodylooksaninchhigher，youreyeslookresolute，asmuchastosay，’Avaunt，falseone！
　　yourwholeappearanceisthatofdetermineddenial，mingled——"
　　"Mingledwithwhat，trifler？"
　　"Mingledwithalittlesecret，woman’spride，thatyouhavehadanopportunityofshowingyourabsolutecharacter。"
　　"Youknowthesefeelingsfromexperience，doyou？"
　　"Nochild，myverynatureischarity;iftherequesthadbeenmadetome，Ishouldhavesentthedespondingyouthtomyfather，andifherefused，tomymother——"
　　"Andifsherefused？"
　　"WhythenIshouldhavesaid，twonegativesmakeanaffirmative。"
　　Charlottelaughed，andinthismannertheseriousexplanationwhich，betweenfriendssointimatemighthavebeenexpected，wasavoided。Maria，atthesametime，thatshefellandmanifestedadeepinterestintheTETE-A-TETEthatshehadpromoted，alwaysavoidedanythinglikeagraveexplanation，andwehavefailedingivingthedesiredviewofthecharacterofMissHenley，ifourreadersdeemitprobablethatshewouldevertouchonthesubjectvoluntarily。
　　Thewinterpassedbyintheordinarymannerinwhichotherwinterspassinthisclimate，beingamixtureofmild，delightfuldays，clearsky，andinvigoratingsun，andofintense，cold，rawwinds，andsnowstorms。ThetwolatterseemedtotrytheconstitutionofpoorGeorgeMortontotheutmost。
　　Theseverecoldthathetookinhischaritableexcursionlingeredabouthimthroughthecoldmonths，andbeforethegenialwarmthofMayoccurredtorelievehim，hisphysicianspronouncedthathislungswereirremediablyaffected。Duringtheperiodofdoubtandapprehensionwhichprecededtheannunciationofthisopinion，andofdistressandagonywhichsucceededit，thefamilyofMr。Henleywarmlysympathizedinthefeelingsoftheirneighbours。ThelongintimacythathadexistedbetweenGeorgeandCharlotteandtheirparents，removedallsuperfluousforms，andthelatterpassedagreatdealofhertimewithMrs。
　　Morton，orbythesideoftheinvalid。Herpresencegavehimsuchmanifestandlivelypleasure，thatitwouldhavebeencrueltohavedeniedhimwhattheotherappearedtograntspontaneously。CharlottehadgraduallywithdrawnherselffromsocietyastheillnessofGeorgeincreased，andhisdangerbecamemoreapparent;andattheexpirationofthemonthofApril，shewasseldomvisibletothosewhoarecalledtheworld，withtheexceptionoftheimmediateconnexionsofherfamily，andherfriendMaria0sgood。InthebeginningofMaybothMr。
　　Mortonandhisneighbourwithdrewtotheircountryhouses，andthustheretirementfromtheworldandtheintercoursebetweenthetwofamiliesbecamemorecomplete。
　　DelafieldhadmadeoneortwoeffortstorenewhisaddressestoCharlotte，butfindingthemineveryinstancefirmly，thoughmildlyrejected，heendeavouredtodiscoversuchimperfectionsintheobjectofhisregardasmightjustifyhimindislikingher。Themorehereflectedonherconduct，however，themorehebecamesensibleoftheproprietyandsimplicityofherdeportment;andhadnottheimpressionshehadmadeontheyoungmanproceededratherfromtheeffectonhisfancy，thanfromhavingtouchedhisheart，theconsequencesofhisconvictionofherpurityandtruthmighthavebeenmorelastinganddeplorable。Asitwas，hisheatedimaginationgraduallyceasedtoglowwiththebeautiesofanimagethatwas，howeverperfectinitself，extravagantlycolouredbyhisownyouthfulimagination，andintime，ifhethoughtatallofCharlotteHenley，hethoughtofherasabeautifulobject，itistrue，butasofonethatbroughtsomewhatmortifyingreflectionsalongwithit。Thismightnothavebeenmanlyorgenerous，perhaps，butwebelieveitisthemannerinninecasesoutofteninwhichsuchsuddenemotionsexpire，especiallyiftheardouroftheyouthhasprecipitatedadeclarationthatthemorechastenedfeelingsofthedamselarenotyetpreparedtoreciprocate。WhiletheimageofCharlottewasstilllingeringinhismind，hewasinthehabitofvisitingMariaOsgoodalmostdaily，toaskquestionsabouther，andperhapswithasecretexpectationoftheirmeetingheratthehouseofherfriend。ThegaytriflingofMissOsgoodaidedgreatlybothincoolinghisspleenandremovinghismelancholy，tillinthecourseofamonthheevenproceededsofarastomakehertheconfidantofwhatshealreadyknew，thoughonlybyconjectureandinference。Delafieldatthistimewassourgent，andsecretlysodeterminedtoprevail，inorderthathisprideifnothisaffectionsmightbesoothed，thatinanunguardedmomentheinducedtheinconsiderateMariatobetray，wewillnotsaytheconfidenceofherfriend，butsuchfactsascouldonlyhavecometoherknowledgebytheintimacyofunaffectedassociation。IftherewereanythingtoextenuatethisbreachofdecorumbyMaria，itwasthemannerinwhichitwaseffected。MissOsgoodhadjustreturnedfromoneofherfrequentvisitstothevillaofMr。Henley，whenDelafieldmadehiscustomarymorningcall：theabsenceofMaria，andtheobjectofhervisit，hadbeenwellknowntohim，andasitwasatimewhenhebegantospeakofMissHenleywithoutmuchemotion，andbutlittlelove，hecouldnotavoidyieldingsofartohispiqueastoexpresshimselfasfollows：
　　"So，MissMaria，youhavejustreturnedfrompayinganothervisittoyourbeautifullittlefriendwithoutanyheart。"
　　"Mylittlefriendwithoutanyheart！Ofwhomdoyouspeak？andwhatdoyoumean！"
　　"IspeakofMissCharlotteHenley，thenun，——shewhohasallofheavenaboutherbutitslove——thatbrilliantcasketwithoutitsjewels——thatwoman——
　　yes，thatYOUNGwomanwithoutanyheart。"
　　"Uponmyword，sir，thisisaveryprettypoemyouhavebeenreciting！butinmyopinion，yourconclusioniswrong。Assherefusedtogiveyouherheart，itisthemoreprobablethatshehasityetinthatbrilliantcasketyouspeakof——"
　　"No——sheneverhadone。Shewantsthegreatestcharmthatnaturecangivetoawoman——awarm，grateful，andaffectionateheart。"
　　"Andpray，sir，"saidMaria，bendinghereyesinquisitivelytowardtheyouth，"ifshewantit，whathasshedonewithit！"
　　"Sheneverhadone，MissOsgood。Iwillgrantyouthatsheislovely，exquisitelylovely！pure，gentle，amiable，everyepithetyoumaywishtoapply，thatindicatesnothingbutacquiredexcellence：butastonaturalfeelings，sheisascoldasanicicle——inshortsheisdestituteofHEART——thethingofallothersI
　　mostprizeinawoman，andforwhichIadmireyousomuch。"
　　Marialaughed，butshecolouredalso。Ithadlongbeenobvioustoherself，andtotheworldtoo，thatDelafieldsoughthersociety，nowthathewasnotadmittedatMr。Henley’s，muchmorethanthatofmyotheryoungwomaninthecity;butshethoughtthatshewellunderstoodthesecretreasonforthispreference，thoughtheworldmightnot。Howgratifyingthisspeechwastothefeelingsofthegaygirl，thesequelofourtalemustshow。Theyoungmanhoweverdidnotjudgehertoofavourably，whenhesupposedhertopossessthosekindredsensationsthatuniteuswithourfellow-
　　beings，andhemighthaveaddedagooddealofgenerositytothecatalogueofhervirtues。Afterapauseofamomentshereplied——
　　"IsupposeImustthankyou，Delafield，fortheprettycomplimentyouhavejustpaidme，butIamsounusedtothissortofthing，thatIreallyfeelasbashfulassweetfifteen，thoughIamatmaturetwenty。"
　　"ThatisbecauseyouDOfeel，MissOsgood;ImighthavesaidasmuchtoCharlotteHenleywithoutexcitingtheleastemotioninher，orofevenbringingonetingeofthatbrightblushoverherfeatureswhichmakesyoulooksohandsome。"
　　"Mercy！mercy！havemercy，Ientreatyou，"criedMaria，avertingherface，"orIshallsoonbeasredasthecook。ButIcannot，Iwillnotconsenttohearmyfriendtraducedinsuchamanner;sofarfromwantingfeeling，CharlotteHenleyisallheart。Touseyourownlanguage，"sheadded，turninghereyestowardshimarchly，"itisforherheartthatI
　　mostloveher。"
　　"Youdeceiveyourself。Earlyattachment，andlongassociation，andyourowngenerous，warmfeelingsdeceiveyou。Sheisaccustomedtoshowgentleandkindcivilitiestoallaroundher，andyoumistakehabitforaffection。"
　　"Sheisaccustomedtodoallthat，Iown;buttodoitinamannerthataddstoitsvaluebyhersimpleunaffectedfeelings。Sheisnot，Imustacknowledge，likecertainpeopleofmyacquaintance，abundleoftindertotakefireateverysparkthatapproaches，butshelovesallsheshouldlove，andIfearshelovesonetoowellthatsheshouldnotlove。"
　　"Loveonethatsheshouldnotlove？"criedDelafield："what，isherheartthenengagedtoanother！IsitpossiblethatMissHenley，thecold，prudishMissHenley，canindulgeanimproperattachmentafterall？"
　　"Mr。Delafield，"saidMissOsgood，gravely，"IamnotapttobetraywhatIoughttoconceal，althoughIamthegiddycreaturethatIseem。ButIhavespokenunguardedly，andmustexplain：inthefirstplace，IwouldnothaveyousupposethatCharlotteHenleyandItalkofourheartsandourloverstoeachother，liketwogirlsataboardingschool。IfI
　　knowthatshehassuchathingasaheartatall，itisnotfromherselfbutfrommyownobservation;
　　andasforlovers，thoughshemayhavehaddozensforanythingIknow，toMEtheyareabsolutelystrangers。——Don’tinterruptme，Iamnotbeggingone。AfterthisexplanationIwillsay，trusting，Delafieldentirelyinyourhonour，whichIdobelieveyoutopossessinahigh——"
　　"Youmay——youmay，"interruptedtheyoungmaneagerly："Iwillneverbetrayyourconfidence——youmighttrustyourselftomyhonourandgoodfaith——"
　　"Iwishyouwouldnotbebringingyourselfandmyselfconstantlyintotheconversation，"saidthelady，compressingherlipstoconcealasmile;"wearetalkingofCharlotteHenley，andofheronly。ShewasbroughtupinthedailyhabitofseeingmuchofGeorgeMorton，who，Ibelieve，evenyouwillownhasaheart，foritwillcosthimhislife。"
　　"Hislife！"
　　"Ifearso;nay，itiswithouthope。Thecoldhetookincarryingthepoorsufferertothehospitallastwinterhasthrownhimintoadecline。IdobelievethatCharlotteHenleyisfondofhim;butmind，Idonotsaythatsheisinlove——ifappearstobelessofpassionthanofintenseaffection。"
　　"Yes，suchasshewouldfeelforabrother。"
　　"Shehasnobrother。Idonotintendtodefinethepassions：butIdobelievethatifheweretoliveandofferhimself，shewouldmarryhim，andmakehimsuchawifeasanymanmightenvy。"
　　"What！doyouthinksheloveshimunasked，andyetrefusemewhobeggedherhandlikeherslave。"
　　"Itisnotunasked;hehasknownherallherlife——
　　hasevershownapreferenceforher——hasbeenkindtoherandtoallothersinherpresence——hehaslonganticipatedherwishes，intrifles，and——and——inshort，hehasdonejustwhatheoughttodo，togainherlove。"
　　"ThenyouthinkIerredinthemannerinwhichI
　　mademyadvances？"
　　"Youradvances，asyoucallthem，wouldhavesucceededwithninegirlsinten，thoughnotwithMissHenley——besides，youaretoolate。"
　　"Certainlynottoolatewhennodeclarationhadbeenmadebyanyother。"
　　"Iamnotabouttodiscusstheproprietiesofcourtshipwithyou，Mr。Delafield，"criedMaria，laughingandrisingfromherchair。"Come，letuswalk;itisasintoshutourselvesuponsuchamorning。Thesubjectmustnowhechangedandthescenetoo。"
　　Heacceptedherchallenge，andtheyproceededthroughthestreetstogether;butsheevadedeverysubsequentattempthemadetorenewthediscourse。Perhapsshefeltthatshehadgonetoofar——perhapstherewassomethinginitthatwaspainfultoherownfeelings。
　　Theexplanation，however，hadagreattendencytodestroytheremainsofwhatDelafieldmistookforlove。InsteadofhavinghisaffectionsseriouslyengagedinashortintercoursewithMissHenley，ourreadersmayeasilyperceivethatitwasnothingbuthisimaginationthatwasexcited，andwhichhadkepthisbrainfilledwithimagesstillmorelovelythantheoriginal：butnowthatthewanfeaturesofGeorgeMortonwereconstantlybroughtintothepicturebythesideofthedeityhehadworshipped，thecontemplationofthesefanciedbeautiesbecomehourlylesspleasant，andinashorttimeheceasedtodwellonthesubjectaltogether。
　　Aconsequence，however，grewoutofhisshort-livedinclination，thatwasasunlookedforbyhimselfasbytheothersinterestedintheresult。HebecamesomuchaccustomedtothesocietyofMariaOsgood，thatatlengthhefellitwasnecessarytohiscomfort。Tothesurpriseofthewholecity，thehandsome，rich，witty，andaccomplishedMr。
　　SeymourDelafielddeclaredhimselfinformbeforethespringhadexpiredtooneoftheplaindaughtersofMr。Osgood，amanwithalargefamily，andbutlittlemoney。Mariahadadifficulttasktoconcealthepleasureshefelt，asshelistenedto，notthepassionatedeclarationofheradmirer，buttohiswarmsolicitationthatshewoulduniteherdestiniestohisown。Shedidconcealit，however，andwouldonlyconsenttoreceivehisvisitsforatime，ontheconditionthathewasnottoconsiderherasatallengagedbythepermission。
　　CHAPTERV。
　　WHILEsuchhappyprospectswereopeningonthefuturelifeofherfriend，thetimeofCharlotteHenleywasverydifferentlyoccupiedinthecountry。
　　Thereis，however，atendencyinyouthtorisewitheventsthatdoesnotreadilyadmitofdepression，andthedisorderofGeorgeMortonwasoneofallothersthemostflatteringwhennearitsclose。Eventhemorematureexperienceofhisparentswasmisledbythedeceptivesymptomsthathiscomplaintassumedinthecommencementofsummer。Theywhosofondlyhopedtheresult，begantobelievethatyouthandtheblandairsofJunewereovercomingtheinexorableenemy。Thatthestrengthoftheyoungmanlessenedwitheverysucceedingday，wasaneventtobeexpectedfromhislowdietandprotractedconfinement;buthisbrighteningeyes，andtheflittingcolourthatwouldattimesaddtotheirfieryradiance，broughttotheyouthfulCharlottethemostheartfelt，thoughsecret，rapture。Thisstatebetweenrevivinghopeandmomentarydespondencyhadprevailedforseveralweeks，whentheaffectionategirlenteredanapartmentthatcommunicatedwithGeorge’sownroom，whereshefoundtheinvalidrecliningonasetteeapparentlydeeplycommuningwithhimself。
　　Hewasalone;andhisappearance，aswellastheheavensandtheearth，unitedtoencouragethesanguineexpectationofthepureheartthatthrobbedsoardentlywhenitsownerwitnessedanyfavourablechangeinthecountenanceoftheyoungman。Thewindowswereraised，andthebalmyairofaJunemorningplayedthroughtheapartment，lendinginrealityanelasticvigourtothedecayingorgansofthesickyouth。Thetingeinhischeekswasheightenedbythemellowglowofthesun’sraysastheyshonethroughthemediumoftherose-
　　colouredcurtainsofthewindow，andCharlottethoughtsheoncemorebeheldthereturningcolourofhealthwhereithadbeensolongabsent。
　　"Howmuchbetteryouappearthismorning，George，"shecried，inavoicewhosemelodywasevenheightenedbyitsgaiety。"Weshallsoonhaveyouamongusoncemore，andthen，heedlessone，bewarehowyoutrifleagainwiththatbestofheaven’sgifts，yourhealth。Oh，thisisablessedclimate！oursummeratoneswithitsmildnessforthedrearinessandperilsofourwinter;ithasevengivenmeacolour，pale-faceasIam——Icanfeelitburnonmycheek。"
　　Heraisedhisheadfromitsmusingpositionatthefirstsoundsofhervoice，andsmiledfaintly，andwithanexpressionofanguish，assheproceeded;
　　butwhenshehadended，andtakenherseatnearhim，stillkeepinghereyesonhisvaryingcountenance，hetookherhandintohisownbeforehereplied。Agooddealsurprisedathismanner，andatthisact，whichexceededtheusualfamiliarityofeventheiraffectionateintercourse，thecolour，ofwhichMissHenleyhadbeensoplayfullyboasting，changedonceortwicewithrapidtransitions。
　　"SeemIsowell，dearCharlotte？"heatlengthsaidinalow，tremulous，andhollowvoice，"seemIsowell？Ibelieveyouareright，andthatIshallshortlybebetter——muchbetter。"
　　"Whatmeanyou，George？feelyouanyworse？haveIdisturbedyouwithmypresenceandmythoughtlessgaiety？"
　　Theyoungmansmiledagain，buttheexpressionofhisfacewasnolongermingledwithalookofanguish;itwasakindbenevolentgleamofgratitudeandaffectionwhichcrossedhisghastlyfeatures，likearayofsunshineenliveningthegloomofadayinwinter。
　　"Youdisturbme，Charlotte！"heanswered，hisveryvoicetremblingasifinsympathywithhisframe："I
　　dobelievebutforyouIshouldhavebeenlongsinceinmygrave。"
　　"No，no，George，thisistoomelancholyathemeforusbothjustnow;letustalkofyourreturninghealth。"
　　Hepressedherhandtohisheartbeforehereplied——
　　"Myhealthwillneverreturn;Iamlosttothisworld;
　　andinfactatthismomentIproperlybelongtoanotherinmybody：wouldtoGodthatIwaspurelysoinfeelingsalso。"
　　"Surely，George，youarealarmingyourselfunnecessarily。"
　　"Iamnotalarmed，"hereplied;"Ihavetoolongforeseenthisevent，tofeelalarmedatmyapproachingdissolution——no，forthat，blessedbemyGodandmyRedeemer，Iaminsomedegreeprepared;butIfeelitimpossibletoshakeoffthefeelingsofthislifewhilethepulsecontinuestobeat，andyettheemotionsInowexperiencemustbeinsomemeasurealliedtoheaven;theyarenotimpure，theyarenotselfish;nothingcanpartakeofeither，dearCharlotte，whereyourimageisconnectedwiththethoughtsofafutureworld。"
　　"Oh，George！talknotsogloomily，socruelly，thismorning——yourwholecountenancecontradictsyourmelancholyspeech，andyouarebetter——indeedyouare;——youmustbebetter。"
　　"Yes，Iambetter，Iamnearlywell，"returnedtheyouth，pausingamoment，whileastruggleofthemostpainfulinterestseemedtoengrosshisthoughts。Asitpassedaway，hedrewhishandfeeblyacrosshisclammybrow，and，smilingfaintly，resumedhisspeech，——"onthebrinkofthegrave，atamomentwhenallthoughtsofmemustbeconnectedwiththeimageofdeath，therecannolongerbeanynecessityforsilence。Youhavebeenkindtous，dearMissHenley，asyouarekindtoall;
　　buttomeyoursympathyhasbeentreblydear，forithasbroughtwithitaconsolationandpleasurethatyoubutlittleimagine。"
　　MissHenleyraisedhertearfuleyesfromthefloortohiswanfeatures，thatnowappearedilluminedwithmorethanhumanfires，andherpalelipsquivered，buthervoicewasinaudible。
　　"Yes，Charlotte，Imaynowspeakwithoutinjustice，orthefearofbeingselfish：Ihavelonglovedyou——
　　howtenderly，howpurely，nonecaneverknow;butcouldI，withacertaintyofmyfatebeforemyeyes，withtheknowledgethatmydayswerenumbered，andthatthesunofmylifecouldneverreachitsmeridian，wooyoutomylove，tomakeyoumiserable！No，dearest！yourgentleheartwillmournthebrotherandthefriendtoomuchforitsownpeace;itneedednotthestingofastrongergrief。"
　　"George，George，"sobbedtheconvulsedgirl，"thinknotofme;speaknotofme——ifitcancheeryouatsuchamomenttoknowhowmuchyouarevaluedbyme，nocoldreserveshallbefoundonmypart。"
　　Theyoungmanstarted，andfastenedhiseyesonherfacewithanindefinablelookofdelightmingledwithsorrow。
　　"Charlotte！"heexclaimed，"doIheararight？amI
　　somiserable！amIsohappy！repeatthosewords——
　　quick——myeyesgrowdim——mysensesdeceiveme。"
　　"Live，GeorgeMorton，"saidCharlottefirmly："youarebetter——yourwholefacebespeaksit;andifthetendercareofanaffectionatewifecanpreserveyourhealth，youshalllongliveablessingtoallwholoveyou。"
　　AsCharlotteuttered，thusingenuously，herpureattachment，theyouthextendedhishandtowardsherblindly。Shegavehimherown，whichhedrewtohisheart，andfoldedtohisbosomwithawarmpressureforaninstant，whenhisholdrelaxed，hisformdroppingbackwardonthesofa，andinthatattitudeheexpiredwithoutastruggle。
　　Weshallnotdwellonthemelancholyscenethatfollowed。AtthefuneralofGeorgeMortonMissHenleywasnottobeseen，norwasitgenerallyunderstoodthattheyoungpeoplehadbeenconnectedintheclosesttiesoffeeling。Shemadenodisplayofhergriefinherdress，unlesstheslighttestimonialsofafewbrightribbandsonthevirginwhiteofherrobecouldbecalledsuch，andtherumourthatwasatfirstpropagatedoftheirbeingengagedtoeachotherwasdiscredited，becausethetracesofsorrowwerenotparticularlyvisibleintheattireofMissHenley。Whentheseasonofgaietyreturned，sheappearedasusualinherplaceinsociety。Thoughhercheekswereseldomenrichedwiththefaintglowthatoncerenderedhersobeautiful，andshewaslessdazzlinginherappearance，yet，ifpossible，shewasmorelovelyandattractive。Inthecourseofthewinter，severalgentlemenapproachedherwiththeevidentintentionofofferingtheirhands。Theiradvanceswerereceivedwithgreaturbanity，butinmostinstanceswiththatunembarrassedmannerthatisfataltohope。Oneofheradmirers，however，perseveredsofarastosolicitherhand：thedenialwasmild，butresolute;likemostyoungmenwhothinktheirhappinessdependentonalady’ssmile，hewishedtoknowifhehadasuccessfulrival。Hewasassuredhehadnot。HiscuriosityevenwentsofarastoinquireifMissHenleyhadabjuredmatrimony。Theanswerwasasimple，unaffectednegative。Amazedathisownwantofsuccess，theyouththenintimatedhisintentionofmakingafutureapplicationforherfavour。
　　Inthemeantime，SeymourDelafield，aftercastingonelonging，lingeringlookatMissHenley，becamethehusbandofherfriend，andmadethefourteenthintheprolificfamilyoftheOsgoods，wherehiswealthwasnotlessagreeabletotheparents，thanhispersontothedaughter。
　　Manyyearshaverolledbysincetheoccurrenceoftheseevents，andMissHenleycontinuesthesameineverythingbutappearance。Thefreshnessofherbeautyhasgivenplacetoalookofintelligence。
　　anddelicacythatseemsgraduallyfittingherforherlastandmostimportantchange。ThenameofGeorgeMortonisneverheardtopassherlips。Mrs。
　　Delafielddeclaresittobeasubjectthatsheneverdarestoapproach，norinherrepeatedrefusalsofmatrimonialoffershasCharlotteeverbeenknowntoalludetothedesolationofherownheart。Herfatherisdead;buttohermotherMissHenleyhasinagreatmeasuresuppliedhisloss。Withherfriendssheisalwayscheerful，andapparentlyhappy，thoughtheinnocentgaietyofherchildhoodissensiblychecked，andtherearemomentsthatbetraytheexistenceofagriefthatisonlythemoredurable，becauseitislessviolent。Inshort，shelivesapatternforhersex，unfetteredbyanyromanticandfoolishpledges，dischargingallthenaturaldutiesofheryearsandstationinanexemplarymanner，butunwillingtoincuranynewones，becauseshehasbutoneheart，andthatwaslongsincegivenwithitspurity，sincerity，andtruth，tohimwhoisdead，andcanneverbecomethepropertyofanother。
　　WhenCharlotteHenleydies，althoughshemaynothavefulfilledoneoftheprincipalobjectsofherbeing，bybecomingamother，herexamplewillsurviveher;andthosewhostudyhercharacterandintegrityoffeeling，willfindenoughtoteachthemwhatpropertiesarethemostvaluableinformingthatsacredcharacter——whileherownsexcanlearnthat，thoughinthecaseofMissHenley，Providencehasdeniedthefullexerciseofherexcellences，ithasatthesametimerenderedherastrikinginstanceoffemaledignity，byexhibitingtotheworldthedifferencebetweenaffectionandcaprice，andbyshewinghowmuchimaginationisinferiortoHeart。