n Mark covered his face with his hands, and, this time, he could
not keep the dimness from his eyes.

It was a strange sight to Jenny to see the young man thus moved. Her
innocent heart was drawn toward him with a pitying interest, and she
yearned to speak words of comfort, but knew not what to say.

After Mark grew composed again, he asked Jenny a great many
questions touching her knowledge of his mother; and listened with
deep interest and emotion to many little incidents of Jenny's
intercourse with her, which were related with all the artlessness
and force of truth. In the midst of this singular interview, Mrs.
Lee came in and surprised the young couple, who, forgetting all
reserve, were conversing with an interest in their manner, the
ground of which she might well misunderstand. Jenny started and
looked confused, but, quickly recovering herself, introduced Mark as
the grandson of Mr. Lofton.

The old lady did not respond to this with the cordiality that either
of the young folks had expected. No, not by any means. A flush of
angry suspicion came into her face, and she said to Jenny as she
handed her the bonnet she hurriedly removed--

"Here--take this into the other room and put it away."

The moment Jenny retired, Mrs. Lee turned to Mark, and after looking
at him somewhat sternly for a moment, surprised him with this
speech--

"If I ever find you here again, young man, I'll complain to your
grandfather."

"Will you, indeed!" returned Mark, elevating his person, and looking
at the old lady with flashing eyes. "And pray, what will you say to
the old gentleman?"

"Fine doings, indeed, for the likes o' you to come creeping into a
decent woman's house when she is away!" resumed Mrs. Lee. "Jenny's
not the kind you're looking after, let me tell you. What would your
poor dear mother, who is in heaven, God bless her! think, if she
knew of this?"

The respectful and even affectionate reference to his mother,
softened the feelings of Mark, who was growing very angry.

"Good morning, old lady," said he, as he turned away; "you don't
know what you're talking about!" and springing from the door, he
hurried off with rapid steps. On reaching a wood that lay at some
distance off, Mark sought a retired spot, near where a quiet stream
went stealing noiselessly along amid its alder and willow-fringed
banks, and sitting down upon a grassy spot, gave himself up to
meditation. Little inclined was he now for sport. The bird