ping her eyes; "they must and they will."

"Alas!" proceeded Woodward, "how far from Gospel purity is every human
motive when it comes to be tried by the Word! I will not conceal from
you the state of my heart, nor deny that in accomplishing this thing it
was influenced by a certain selfish feeling on my part; in one sense
a disinterested selfishness I admit, but in another a selfishness that
involves my own happiness. However, I will say no more on that subject
at present. It would scarcely be delicate until the reconciliation is
fully accomplished; then, indeed, perhaps I may endeavor, with fear and
trembling, to make myself understood. Only until then, I beg of you to
think well of me, and permit me to consider myself as not unworthy of a
humble place in your affections."

Old Goodwin shook him warmly by the hand, and his wife once more had
recourse to her pocket-handkerchief. "God bless you, Mr. Woodward!"
he exclaimed, "God bless you, I now see your worth, and know it; you
already have our good-will and affections, and, what is more, we feel
that you deserve them."

"I wish, my dear sir," said the other, "that Miss Goodwin understood me
as well as you and her respected mother."

"She does, Mr. Woodward," replied her father; "she does, and she will
too."

"I tremble, however," said Woodward, with a deep sigh; "but I will leave
my fate in your hands, or, I should rather say in the hands of Heaven."

Lunch was then announced, and they went down to the front parlor,
where it was laid out. On entering the room Woodward was a good deal
disappointed to find that Miss Goodwin was not there.

"Will not Miss Goodwin join us?" he asked.

"Certainly," said her father; "Martha, where is she?"

"You know, my dear, she seldom lunches," replied her mother.

"Well, but she will now," said Goodwin; "it is not every day we have Mr.
Woodward; let her be sent for. John, find out Miss Goodwin, and say we
wish her to join us at luncheon."

John in a few moments returned to say that she had a slight headache,
and could not have the pleasure of coming down.

"O, I am very sorry to hear she is unwell," said Woodward, with an
appearance of disappointment and chagrin, which he did not wish to
conceal; or, to speak the truth, which, in a great measure, he assumed.

After lunch his horse was ordered, and he set out on his way to
Rathfillan, meditating upon his visit, and the rather indifferent
reception he had got from Alice.