If my sister tried to draw him into the subject of his acquaintance with me, he changed it as soon as possible, as if it were disagreeable to him.

And no wonder.
'However, my sister looks upon this man as her greatest benefactor--him, whom I, in my pride and ignorance, considered beneath me in every respect; and when he left Melbourne a year or two ago, she said they had lost their best and dearest earthly friend, and that the children cried when he wished them good-bye, as if they were parting from a father.' Whilst Miss Hall was telling this simple narrative, Freda was very attentive.

As it drew to a close, she rose from her drawing, and kneeling, as she sometimes would do, by Miss Hall's side, put her arm affectionately round her.

There was something in the action at that moment which drew tears from Miss Hall's eyes.
'But he is not married, Serena, I know he is not married,' she exclaimed.

'Who knows!' 'My dear child,' said Miss Hall, smiling, and stroking Freda's shining hair, 'I have long given up all thoughts of matrimony.