, yet, somehow,
there crept into their hearts a certain portion of selfishness, which
could be traced only to the affection which they felt for Alice. They
calculated that Henry Woodward, having been reared and educated by
his uncle, would be amply provided for by that wealthy gentleman--who,
besides, was childless. This consideration became a strong element in
their deliberations and discussions upon the projected match, and
they accordingly resolved to win over Alice's consent to it as soon as
possible. From the obedience of her disposition, and the natural pliancy
of her character with the opinions of others, they concluded the matter
as arranged and certain. They forgot, however, that Alice, though
a feeble thinker on matters of superstition and others of a minor
importance, could sometimes exercise a will of her own, but very seldom,
if ever, when opposed to theirs. They knew her love and affection
for them, and that she was capable of making any sacrifice that
might contribute to their happiness. They had, however, observed of
late--indeed for a considerable time past--that she appeared to be in
low spirits, moved about as if there was a pressure of some description
in her mind; and when they asked her if she were at ease--which they
often did--she only replied by a smile, and asked them in return why she
should be otherwise. With this reply they were satisfied, for they knew
that upon the general occurrences of life she was almost a mere child,
and that, although her health was good, her constitution was naturally
delicate, and liable to be affected by many things indifferent in
themselves, which girls of a stronger mind and constitution would
neither perceive nor feel. The summing up of all was that they
apprehended no obstruction to the proposed union from any objection on
her part, as soon as she should be made acquainted with their wishes.

In the course of that very evening they introduced the subject to
her, with that natural confidence which resulted from their foregone
conclusions upon it.

"Alley," said her mother, "I hope you're in good spirits this evening."

"Indifferent enough, mamma; my spirits, you know, are not naturally
good."

"And why should they not?" said her mother; "what on earth have you to
trouble you?"

"O, mamma," she exclaimed, "you don't know how often I miss my
sister;--at night I think I see her, and she looks pale and melancholy,
and full of sorrow--just as she did when she f