suspense, expecting every minute to be called, and vainly longing to hear him go. Then, footsteps were heard on the stairs, and my aunt entered the room with a solemn countenance, and closed the door behind her.

`Here is Mr Boarham, Helen,' said she. `He wishes to see you.'

`Oh, aunt! Can't you tell him I'm indisposed?--I'm sure I am--to see him.'

`Nonsense, my dear! this is no trifling matter. He is come on a very important errand--to ask your hand in marriage, of your uncle and me.'

`I hope my uncle and you told him it was not in your power to give it. What right had he to ask anyone before me?'

`Helen!'

`What did my uncle say?'

`He said he would not interfere in the matter; if you liked to accept Mr Boarham's obliging offer, you--'

`Did he say obliging offer?'

`No; he said if you liked to take him you might; and if not, you might please yourself.'

`He said right; and what did you say?'

`It is no matter what I said. What will you say?--that is the question. He is now waiting to ask you himself; but consider well before you go; and if you intend to refuse him, give me your reasons.'

`I shall refuse him, of course, but you must tell me how, for I want to be civil and yet decided--and when I've got rid of him, I'll give you my reasons afterwards.'

`But stay, Helen; sit down a little, and compose yourself. Mr Boarham is in no particular hurry, for he has little doubt of your acceptance; and I want to speak with you. Tell me, my dear, what are your objections to him? Do you deny that he is all upright, honourable man?'

`No.'

`Do you deny that be is a sensible, sober, respectable?'

`No; he may be all this, but--'

`But, Helen! How many such men do you expect to meet with in the world? Upright, honourable, sensible, sober, respectable!--Is this such an everyday character that you should reject the possessor of such noble qualities, without a moment's hesitation?--Yes, noble I may call them; for, think of the full meaning of each, and how many inestimable virtues they include (and I might add many more to the list), and consider that all this is laid at your feet: it is in your power to secure this inestimable blessing for life-- a worthy and excellent husband, who loves you tenderly, but not too fondly so as to blind him to your faults, and will be your guide throughout life's pilgrimage, and your partner in eternal bliss! Think how--'

`But I hate him, aunt,' said I, interrupting this unusual flow of eloquence.

`Hate him, Helen! Is this a Christian spirit?--you hate him?--and he so good a man!'

`I don't hate him as a man, but as a husband. As a man, I love him so much, that I wish him a better wife than I--one as good as himself, or better--if you think that possible--provided she could like him;--but I never could, and therefore--'