CHAPTER V.
RICHARD EVELYN AND HARLEY ASHMORE.
Emma had not long been with us ere her fame reached the little "village over the river," and drew from thence many calls, both from gentlemen and ladies.

Among these was a Mr.Richard Evelyn and his sister, both of whom had the honor of standing on the topmost round of the aristocratic ladder in the village.

Mr.Evelyn, who was nearly thirty years of age, was a wealthy lawyer, and what is a little remarkable for that craft (I speak from experience), to an unusual degree of intelligence and polish of manners, he added many social and _religious_ qualities.

Many kind hearted mothers, who had on their hands good-for-nothing daughters, wondered how he managed to live without a wife, but he seemed to think it the easiest thing in nature, for, since the death of his parents, his sister Susan had acted in the capacity of his housekeeper.
I have an idea that grandmother, whose disposition was slightly spiced with a love for match-making, bethought herself how admirably Mr.
Evelyn and Emma were suited for each other; for after his calls became frequent I heard her many times slyly hint of the possibility of our being able to keep Emma in town always.

_She_ probably did not think so; for each time after being teased, she repaired to her room and read for the twentieth time some ominous-looking letters which she had received since being with as.
It was now three weeks since she came, and each day she had gained in health and strength.