h the bride; but, in every
instance that he approached her, he perceived a kind of instinctive
shrinking; and, if she was in a laughing mood, when he drew near she
became serious and reserved. All this was too plain to be mistaken;
and like the repeated strokes of a hammer upon glowing iron,
gradually bent his feelings from the buoyant form they had been
endeavoring to assume. The effect was not wholly to be resisted.
More than an hour before the happy assemblage broke up, Florence was
not to be found in the brilliantly lighted rooms. Unable longer to
conceal what he felt, he had retired.

For many days after this, the young man felt sober. "Why haven't you
called to see me?" asked the friend who had married Miss Linmore, a
week or two after the celebration of the nuptials.

Florence excused himself as best he could, and promised to call in a
few days. Two weeks went by without the fulfillment of his promise.

"No doubt, we shall see you next week," said the friend, meeting him
one day about this time; "though I am not so sure we will receive
your visits then."

"Why not?"

"A certain young lady with whom, I believe, you have some
acquaintance, is to spend a short time with us."

"Who?" asked Florence, quickly.

"A young lady from Albany."

"Miss Weldon?"

"The same."

"I was not aware that she was on terms of intimacy with your wife."

"She's an old friend of mine; and, in that sense a friend of
Kate's."

"Then they have not met."

"Oh, yes; frequently. And are warmly attached. We look for a
pleasant visit. But, of course, we shall not expect to see you. That
is understood."

"I rather think you will; that is, if your wife will admit me on
friendly terms."

"Why do you say that?" inquired the friend, appearing a little
surprised.

"I thought, on the night of your wedding, that she felt my presence
as unwelcome to her."

"And is this the reason why you have not called to see us."

"I frankly own that it is."

"Edwin! I am surprised at you. It is all a piece of imagination.
What could have put such a thing into your head?"

"It may have been all imagination. But I couldn't help feelings as I
did. However, you may expect to see me, and that, too, before Miss
Weldon's arrival."

"If you don't present yourself before, I am not so sure that we will
let you come afterwards," said the friend, smiling.

On the next evening the young man called. Mrs. Hartley, the bride of
his friend, endeavored t