After All.

in our nature , and for lack of information on our pet projects we are apt to attach a fanciful importance to little divinations or prognostications , and sometimes to allow them to bias our subsequent actions . Such was the case of Miss Phane . She wondered how the poetical attachment between her ancl Humberton , which had grown , like a flower in the ni ght , would progress , whether favourably or otherwiseancl she trembled with fear lest her hopes that he would succeedin

, , spite of all obstacles , in winning her tender heart ( which she felt she could give him without reserve if he only approached her ideal ) should prove fallacious . As far as her affection went outwardly , she loved him . His fine manl y face , his clear , nervous voice , and the chivalrous charm of his manner had won her admiration , ancl she had plenty of proofs of his worthiness . But could he brave the battles and storms of life successfull ? Would he ever be noble

y , true , ancl good ? These were the questions she asked herself , though halfafraid she wronged him with her doubts of his genuine , sincere character . But she dearly loved to look before she leaped ; nor do we blame her ; would that more did so prudently ; much misery and self-reproach would then be saved . Her pet clogCarloto herseemed restless at the doorbarking at every

, , , , little noise , and this she took as an unfavourable sign , and boding no good . Carlo was almost a companion to her , for she had no sisters or brothers , and would have felt very lonely without her favourite animals . Therefore , she noticed every little ailment that affected them , ancl was most careful in having them attended to properly . What did Carlo ' s barking ancl whining portend ? Something unfortunateshe was sure .

, Mrs . Phane , with the quick instinct of a true parent , detected that something was amiss with her daughter , but failed to attribute it to its ri ght source ; and Olivia wondered how her parents would look on the sudden fancy Arthur Humberton had taken to her , if it proved to be more than fleeting .

Thus she , in turn , was thinking of Arthur , and he of her , until Carlo came in with the letter , which she took with trembling hands . She wondered how he had got it , and thought it a most eccentric way of delivering a letter . But after a moment ' s thought she rushed to the door , rightly imagining that Arthur must be near ; but he was nowhere to be seen , so the mystery remained unsolved to her .

We shall not attempt to describe her emotions on reading his ardent loveletter . Her reply will partly show what she felt . Suffice it to say , that she treasured the letter , and placed it in her bosom , after kissing it many times She , however , did not like to reply to it too soon ( though nothing would have been more in accordance with her heart than to have written back at once ) for fear that too great haste and too little reflection of the step she would be taking in encouraging his advance might bring the proverbial repentance at leisure .

A wise head was fitted on to her shoulders , which all the force of passion could not overturn . Many a conflict with herself , however , she had in considering the matter . Over and over again she thought of revealing everything to her mother , and asking her more experienced advice . But at last she resolved to take all responsibility herself , and act without aid . Very brave , and perhaps rather unadvisable , but in les ajfaires-de-cceur there is no rule , and individual action is the best .

In three days , Humberton , after vainly wondering how his letter had been received , got a reply to it . He had been plunged in despair at times , imagining Olivia had discarded him . Morning and night he had paraded the street which held the one being dearest to him—his first maiden love . But the letter had arrived at last , after what seemed almost years of suspense to him , and he read the following :

" MY DEAR ARTHUR , —But perhaps you will think me presumptuous and forward to address you so , but I hope you will forgive me for the fault ( if you consider it one ) as easily aa I do you . I was very much surprised at receiving your letter from dear Carlo , who , how-