pon the best and most cordial terms;
but, unfortunately, I must say that we are not so now--a circumstance
which I and mine deeply regret. You must not imagine, however, that
the knowledge of your name and connections could make the slightest
difference in our conduct toward you on that account. Your family, Mr.
Woodward, threw off our friendship and disclaimed all intimacy with us;
but I presume you are not ignorant of the cause of it."

"I should be uncandid if I were to say so, sir. I am entirely aware of
the cause of it; but I cannot see that there is any blame whatsoever
to be attached to either you or yours for the act of my poor uncle. I
assure you, sir, I am sorry that my family failed to consider it in its
proper light; and you will permit me to request that you we not identify
my conduct with theirs. So far as I am least am concerned, my uncle's
disposition of his property shall make no breach nor occasion any
coolness between us. On the contrary, I shall feel honored by being
permitted to pay my respects to you all, and to make myself worthy of
your good opinions."

"That is generously spoken, Mr. Woodward," replied the old man; "and it
will afford us sincere pleasure to reciprocate the sentiments you have
just expressed."

"You make me quite happy, sir," replied Woodward, bowing very
courteously. "This, I presume, is the young lady to whom my cousin Agnes
was so much attached?"

"She is, sir," replied her father.

"Might I hope for the honor of being presented to her, Mr. Goodwin?"

"With pleasure, sir. Alice, my dear, although you already know who this
gentleman is, yet allow me, nevertheless, to present him to you."

The formal introduction accordingly took place, after which Woodward,
turning to Mrs. Goodwin, said,

"I am not surprised, madam, at the predilection which my cousin
entertained for Miss Goodwin, even from what I see; but I feel that I am
restrained by her presence from expressing myself at further length. I
have only to say that I wish her every happiness, long life, and health
to enjoy that of which she seems, and I am certain is, so worthy."

He accompanied those words with a low bow and a very gracious smile,
after which, his horse having been brought to the door, he took his
leave with a great deal of politeness, and rode, according to the
directions received from Mr. Goodwin, toward his father's house.

After his departure the family began to discuss his character somewhat
to