r. She had quite wit enough to see through the
whole project; how outsiders were to be induced to give their
money, thinking that all was to be given; whereas those inside the
temple,--those who knew all about it,--were simply to make for
themselves a good speculation. Her cousin John's constant solicitude
for money was bad; but, after all, it was not so bad as this. She
told herself at once that the letter was one which would of itself
have ended everything between her and Mr Maguire, even had nothing
occurred to put an absolute and imperative stop to the affair. Mr
Maguire pressed for an early answer, and before she left the room she
sat down and wrote it.

The Cedars, Twickenham, October, 186--.

DEAR SIR

Before she wrote the words, "Dear Sir," she had to think much of
them, not having had as yet much experience in writing letters to
gentlemen; but she concluded at last that if she simply wrote "Sir,"
he would take it as an insult, and that if she wrote "My dear Mr
Maguire," it would, under the circumstances, be too affectionate.

DEAR SIR,

I have got your letter to-day, and I hasten to answer it
at once. All that to which you allude between us must be
considered as being altogether over, and I am very sorry
that you should have had so much trouble. My circumstances
are altogether changed. I cannot explain how, as it would
make my letter very long; but you may be assured that such
is the case, and to so great an extent that the engagement
you speak of would not at all suit you at present. Pray
take this as being quite true, and believe me to be

Your very humble servant,

MARGARET MACKENZIE.

I feel that the letter was somewhat curt and dry as an answer to
an effusion so full of affection as that which the gentleman had
written; and the fair reader, when she remembers that Miss Mackenzie
had given the gentleman considerable encouragement, will probably
think that she should have expressed something like regret at so
sudden a termination to so tender a friendship. But she, in truth,
regarded the offer as having been made to her money solely, and as
in fact no longer existing as an offer, now that her money itself was
no longer in existence. She was angry with Mr Maguire for the words
he had written about her brother's affairs; for his wish to limit
her kindness to her nephews and nieces, and also for his greediness
in being desirous of getting her money a