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170 time, not in the least equivocating, viewing deeply the consequences and unpleasant effects that might arise were he to reply by an affirmative, he hesitated not to give a positive denial, asserting that such an idea had never entered his thoughts. "Without church preferment, General," added he, "how could I think of marriage."

"Not, possibly, under your present circumstances," rejoined the General; "but I had reason for supposing, whilst in anticipation of better fortune, some understanding had taken place between you and my daughter."

"None, I can assure you, General."

"It is enough," added he, when rising to depart, he extended his hand in token of amity, fully satisfied as to the result of his visit.

Philimore is too honourable to have deceived me, thought the General; the sacredness of his profession also would not have allowed him to do so.

Few there are who would not, like the General, have thought the same;—so blind is human sight, that what often appears to man clear and convincing, nevertheless remains hidden, save to Him whose eye alone can penetrate the secret windings of the heart.

Philimore, in the most unequivocal manner, had belied himself; those lips that had ever breathed forth exhortations concerning the beauty of Truth, could yet derogate from its practice. "And why," he asked himself, in reviewing his words, "why should I have said otherwise? Though contemning falsehood,