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 full account of all that had taken place, but that he found he must leave the task to Mary. I have not patience to go over it," said he; "but I wish for your advice, and you must therefore know all. I shall be back by the time Mary has finished the recital, and in the mean time must speak to my labourers."

"My dear father!" said Mary, looking wistfully after him, as he left the room—"My dear good father will never be happy again!"

"With such a daughter as you, how can he be unhappy?" said Mrs Mason. "Your duty and affection will soon make him forget the disappointment he has had in your sister, and perhaps this match of hers may not turn out so ill as he apprehends."

"Oh it cannot turn out well," said Mary. "How can any match turn out well, that begins as this has done, by wounding the heart of so good, so kind a father!"