And her heart warmed somewhat, too, the while.

One day a friend overheard a conversation like this: -- and naturally came and told her all about it: "Ned, they say you don't go there any more.

How is that ?" "Well, I don't; but I tell you it's not because I don't want to and it's not because I think it is any matter who her father was or who he wasn't, either; it's only on account of this talk, talk, talk.

I think she is a fine girl every way, and so would you if you knew her as well as I do; but you know how it is when a girl once gets talked about--it's all up with her--the world won't ever let her alone, after that." The only comment Laura made upon this revelation, was: "Then it appears that if this trouble had not occurred I could have had the happiness of Mr.Ned Thurston's serious attentions.

He is well favored in person, and well liked, too, I believe, and comes of one of the first families of the village.