Arthur looked surprised, and, could he have resisted the face of his new
acquaintance, he would have added indignation to his expression. But it
was impossible.

"To whom do I owe such excellent advice?"

"To Lawrence Newt," answered that gentleman, putting out his hand. "I am
glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Arthur Merlin."

The painter shook the merchant's hand cordially. They had some further
conversation, and finally Mr. Merlin turned, and the two men strolled
together down town. While they yet talked, Lawrence Newt observed that
the eyes of his companion studied every carriage that passed. He did it
in a very natural, artless way; but Lawrence Newt smiled with his eyes,
and at length said, as if Arthur had asked him the question, "There she
comes!"

Arthur was a little bit annoyed, and said, suddenly, and with a fine air
of surprise, "Who?"

Lawrence turned and looked him full in the face; upon which the painter,
who was so fanatically devoted to his art that it was clearly impossible
he should fall in love, said, "Oh!" as if somebody had answered his
question.

The next moment both gentlemen bowed to Hope Wayne, who passed with Mrs.
Dinks in her carriage.

"Who are those gentlemen to whom you are bowing, Hope?" Mrs. Dinks asked,
as she saw her niece lean forward and blush as she bowed.

"Mr. Merlin and Mr. Lawrence Newt," replied Hope.

"Oh, I did not observe."

After a while she said, "Don't you think, Hope, you could make up your
mind to go to Mrs. Kingfisher's ball next week? You know you haven't been
out at all."

"Perhaps," replied Hope, doubtfully.

"Just as you please, dear. I think it is quite as well to stay away if
you want to. Your retirement is very natural, and proper, and beautiful,
under the circumstances, although it is unusual. Of course I don't fully
understand. But I have perfect confidence in the justice of your
reasons."

Mrs. Dinks looked at Hope tenderly and sagaciously as she said this, and
smiled meaningly.

Hope was entirely bewildered. Then a sudden apprehension shot through her
mind as she thought of what her aunt had said. She asked suddenly and a
little proudly,

"What do you mean by 'circumstances,' aunt?"

Mrs. Dinks was uneasy in her turn. But she pushed bravely on, and said
kindly,

"Why on earth shouldn't I know why you are unwilling to have it known,
Hope? You know I am as still as the grave."

"Have what known, aunt?" asked Hope.

"Why, dear," rep