CHAPTER X.True Love Defeated.
Mr.and Mrs.Goodwin, in the absence of their daughter, held a very agreeable conversation on the subject of Mrs.Lindsay's visit.

Neither Goodwin nor his wife was in the slightest degree selfish, yet, somehow, there crept into their hearts a certain portion of selfishness, which could be traced only to the affection which they felt for Alice.

They calculated that Henry Woodward, having been reared and educated by his uncle, would be amply provided for by that wealthy gentleman--who, besides, was childless.

This consideration became a strong element in their deliberations and discussions upon the projected match, and they accordingly resolved to win over Alice's consent to it as soon as possible.

From the obedience of her disposition, and the natural pliancy of her character with the opinions of others, they concluded the matter as arranged and certain.