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Rh wish you all happiness." He was turning to go when he observed the white face of the girl, and her remorseful expression as she moved her lips as if to speak. He stopped to hear what she had to say.

"It is I who ought to ask forgiveness. I see that concealment is wrong; but I have been in the wrong about it altogether. Try to forgive me for the pain I have given you."

"I know it was the height of presumption on my part," said he; "I never intended to breathe a word of my feelings towards you, but I was foolish enough to misunderstand your manner, or your words, or something."

He had only understood her too well, but how useless and vain to say so.

"Mr. Staunton," said she slowly, "his engagement of mine was not of my seeking, but papa and mamma have set their hearts upon it, and so has Lady Gower, and things have gone so far that it would be dishonourable to break it off, and I will never think of doing such a thing; but—but I am not very happy, and when I think that I have made you unhappy too, I feel as if my hear would break."

Mr. Staunton could not help trying to comfort her a little; he guessed that if things had been brighter and more promising with him, Lady