Too much talking about a girl, even in the way of praise, disturbed Mrs.Robson's opinion of her; and when her neighbours told her how her own daughter was admired, she would reply coldly, 'She's just well enough,' and change the subject of conversation.

But it was quite different with her husband.

To his looser, less-restrained mind, it was agreeable to hear of, and still more to see, the attention which his daughter's beauty received.

He felt it as reflecting consequence on himself.

He had never troubled his mind with speculations as to whether he himself was popular, still less whether he was respected.