Anyways, I trust to thee to look after the lile lass, as has no brother to guide her among men--and men's very kittle for a woman to deal wi; but if thou'lt have an eye on whom she consorts wi', my mind 'll be easier.' Philip's heart beat fast, but his voice was as calm as usual when he replied-- 'I'd just keep her a bit aloof from Monkshaven folks; a lass is always the more thought on for being chary of herself; and as for t' rest, I'll have an eye to the folks she goes among, and if I see that they don't befit her, I'll just give her a warning, for she's not one to like such chaps as yon Simpson there; she can see what's becoming in a man to say to a lass, and what's not.' Philip set out on his two-mile walk home with a tumult of happiness in his heart.

He was not often carried away by delusions of his own creating; to-night he thought he had good ground for believing that by patient self-restraint he might win Sylvia's love.

A year ago he had nearly earned her dislike by obtruding upon her looks and words betokening his passionate love.

He alarmed her girlish coyness, as well as wearied her with the wish he had then felt that she should take an interest in his pursuits.

But, with unusual wisdom, he had perceived his mistake; it was many months now since he had betrayed, by word or look, that she was anything more to him than a little cousin to be cared for and protected when need was.