of the family feud? and why should he have
done so unless there had been some reason for it? It was quite clear,
she thought, that, whatever revelation Woodward was about to make
concerning him, it was one which would occasion himself great pain
as his brother, and that nothing but the necessity of saving her from
unhappiness could force him to speak out. In fact, her mind was in a
tumult; she felt quite nervous--tremulous--afraid of some disclosure
that might destroy her hopes and her happiness, and make her wretched
for life.

On the next day Woodward made his appearance and found Alice by herself
in the drawing-room, as when he left her the day before. His countenance
seemed the very exponent of suffering and misery.

"Miss Goodwin," said he, "I have passed a period of the deepest anxiety
since I saw you last. You may, indeed, read what I have suffered, and
am suffering, in my face, for unfortunately it is a tell-tale upon my
heart; but I cannot help that, nor should I wish it to be otherwise.
Believe me, however, that it is not for myself that I suffer, but for
you, and the prospects of your future happiness. You must look upon my
conduct now as perfectly disinterested, for I have no hope. What, then,
should that conduct be in me as a generous man, which I trust I am, but
to promote your happiness as far as I can? and on that I am determined.
You say you love my brother; are you certain that your affection is
reciprocated?"

"I believe your brother certainly did love me," she replied, with a
tremor in her voice, which she could not prevent,

"Just so, my dear Miss Goodwin; that is well expressed--did love you;
perhaps it may have been so; possessing anything like a heart, I don't
see how it could have been otherwise."

"I will thank you, Mr. Woodward, to state what you have to say with
as little circumlocution and ambiguity as possible. Take me out of
suspense, and let me know the worst. Do not, I entreat you, keep me in
a state of uncertainty. Although I have acknowledged my love for your
brother, in order to relieve myself from your addresses, which I could
not encourage, still I am not without the pride of a woman who respects
herself."

"I am aware of that; but before I proceed, allow me to ask, in order
that I may see my way the clearer, to what length did the expression of
my brother's affection go?"

"It went so far," she replied, blushing, "as an avowal of mutual
attachment; indeed, it might be cal