AGAIN, OLD AND NEW ACQUAINTANCE. 1387

love, he could do anything ; without it he should be
the veriest outcast in the world! He was not the son
of that unfortunate man, Edwards ! and he earnestly
besought her to close her ears against that malice
which was bent upon ruining him. “ He felt,” he said,
“ that, once united, they should be happy ; till then,
endless plans would be formed to separate them. Might
he beseech of her at once to set this malice at defiance
by allowing their marriage to take place immediately.”

It was a bold letter. He trembled as he despatched
it. The next post brought him an answer. “ Thank
you ; you have taken a load from my heart. I knew
that you had not willingly deceived me, and I believe
you. But, Edward, shall I now confess my weakness
—had you, fearing to speak a falsehood, even for a
great reward, said, ‘ Yes, I am the son of that unhappy
convict, and in reality I bear his name,’—I could not
have abandoned you. Oh, my friend, you have gained
great power over me—you are very dear to me, and
I would have stood by your side to the last; and if the
world had upbraided you, it should have upbraided
me also. But, thank God, it need not be so. I will
be candid with you. My brothers are extremely
inveterate against you. Their consent to our marriage
will not be obtained, I fear. I wish to see you soon.
Come over for an hour to-morrow.”

There are no reproofs to a heart not naturally bad,
So severe as those of kindness. Williams sat silent
and self-accused. All his life long it seemed to him
that he had lived in the midst of kindness, which he
had ill requited. He thought of Jessie Bannerman—
oh how often had Miss Bassett reminded him of Jessie
in her calm truthfulness! he thought of his good
aunt and uncle, how he had cheated and deccived

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