Wait, then, at all events, until Alice's conduct in the matter is known.

If there be unjustifiable force and pressure upon her, act; if not, I think, sir, that, with every respect, your interference would be an unjustifiable intrusion." "Very well, Charley; I believe you are right; I will be guided by you for the present; I won't interfere; but in the meantime I shall have an eye to their proceedings.

I don't think the Goodwins at all mercenary or selfish, but it is quite possible that they may look upon Harry as the heir of his uncle's wealth; and, after all, Charley, nature is nature; that may influence them even unconsciously, and yet I am not in a condition to undeceive them." "Father," said Charles, "all I would suggest is, as I said before, a little patience for the present; wait a while until we learn how Alice herself will act.

I am sorry to say that I perceived what I believe to be an equivocation on the part of my mother in her allusion to Alice.

I think it will be found by and by that her personal consent has not been given; and, what is more, that she was not present at all during their conversation on the subject.