But as we grow older, we grow wiser--bitter, I would fain hope--and from the first, I have opposed him in this attempt.

I foresaw the end, and would have spared you, if I could.' 'Speak plainly, sir,' she faltered.

'You deceive me, or are deceived yourself.

I do not believe you--I cannot--I should not.' 'First,' said Mr Chester, soothingly, 'for there may be in your mind some latent angry feeling to which I would not appeal, pray take this letter.

It reached my hands by chance, and by mistake, and should have accounted to you (as I am told) for my son's not answering some other note of yours.