Elizabeth is made for happiness--she must not waste her sweetness.' And then--shall I go on ?" but all the same he did not wait for consent--"it was then that David told me something that I had guessed before--that some one else loved you, and loved you dearly.

I am right, am I not, Elizabeth ?" No answer, but he could see how her hands clutched each other, as though in sudden agitation.
"'I was beforehand, and he had no chance,' David went on, 'but he is my superior in everything'-- he was always so humble in his own estimation, dear fellow.

'Father, Malcolm Herrick worships the ground she walks on.
One day he must have his reward.'" "Oh, hush--hush, for pity's sake," and Elizabeth stretched out her hand to stop him, but he detained it gently.
"Elizabeth, three years are long enough for mourning, and Mr.Herrick has been very patient.

Why should another life be spoiled?
Why should you doom him as well as yourself to loneliness?
I have not forgotten his look that evening when you were singing to us--it was the look of a man who is starving for a little happiness, for the comfort and sweet sustenance that only a wife can give him.

There, I will say no more--I have discharged my conscience, and repeated my boy's words.