Page:Orange Grove.djvu/173

 is useless to censure the public for it's interest in all affairs of this kind, being just as natural as to breathe in the fresh morning air. As they were deeply engaged in conversation the rest of the party withdrew, leaving them unconsciously to tread a path by themselves. When Ernest observed it he smiled at their conceited knowledge, but was entirely satisfied with the position assigned to him. Rosalind was not invited, having lived a very secluded life since her father's death, and Miss Blanche filled her place better than any one else could. But of what was he dreaming? Why was Rosalind so closely associated with his deepest thoughts? She had not even given one token of regard for him. It was the instinctive trusting nature of love, which could afford to wait and be patient.

Grace Blanche felt lonely and sad, more so than he knew of, and the peculiar turn of his conversation which sometimes touched upon themes extending beyond this world soothed and consoled her. It might have been dangerous to her happiness ultimately, to form such an intimate friendship at this particular time.

Especially is this true of ordinary minds, but Grace Blanche had too much sense and strength of character for that, or to continue the acquaintance of a gentleman who was open to suspicion like Mr. Carleton. Much as he had won her affections, she was not so blinded as to discard wise counsel concerning him without giving it sufficient consideration. Her own judgment warranted the conclusion ar-