THE man named Burton, to whom reference has been made as being particularly attentive to Miriam, was really charmed with the beautiful young girl.

But the affection of a man such as he was comes to its object as a blight instead of a blessing.

Miriam, while she did not repel his attentions, for his manner towards her was ever polite and respectful, felt, nevertheless, an instinctive repugnance towards him, and when she could keep out of his way without seeming to avoid him, she generally did so.
A few evenings after the conversation held with Edith, as given in the last chapter, Burton, in passing from the dining room, said to Miriam,-- "Come.

I want you to play for me some of those beautiful airs in Don Giovanni." "Indeed you must excuse me Mr.Burton," replied Miriam.

"I don't feel like playing to-night." "Can't excuse you, indeed," said Burton, smiling pleasantly, and, at the same time, taking Miriam's hand, which she quickly withdrew from his touch.