e his child to ----! Pshaw! what
would the world come to! Where were his principles? where his wisdom?
where his _honor_?' etc., etc. Lucy, frightened perhaps at her father's
vehemence, turned pale. Dr. Kent, the friend and physician of the family,
who chanced to be present, endeavored to calm him, but with little
success; and Mr. Lillburgh, unable as it seemed to join in condemning this
'mis-alliance,' left the house somewhat abruptly. Soon after this,
however, an opportune influx of papers and pamphlets caused a salutary
diversion in Mr. Lee's irritated feelings; and as Lucy's most monopolizing
visitor seemed quite to have disappeared, he could now enjoy his favorite
luxury of drinking in, through the medium of the voice he loved so well,
the words of wisdom he honored so highly.

Whether these tiresome lectures proved too burdensome for her young
spirits, or some other cause operated to injure her health, did not
appear; but just at this time, when Mr. Lee seemed to find his life
especially comfortable and pleasant, his hitherto blooming daughter
gradually began to droop; her spirits, formerly so even, were now
constantly fluctuating: at times she would sit pale and _distraite_ among
a gay and laughing circle of her young associates, while at others, a ring
at the bell, a step in the hall, would suffice to call the color to her
cheek and kindle animation in her eye. It was this variation perhaps,
together with certain animating plans of his own, which rendered her
father insensible to her condition; for by a strange contradiction in the
course of things, he seemed just at this time especially occupied with
forming brilliant plans for her future. Fairly aware now of her being no
longer a child, he would comment upon her dress, urge her to more
ornament, and then with a knowing look speak of his anticipated pleasure
in the society of two expected visitors, one staunch old veteran of the
true faith, and his son, a worthy descendant, one who deserved the smiles
of the fair for the brilliant speech he had made the last session. Poor
Lucy at each reference to this subject would look more and more
uncomfortable; but her father, thinking that she might be perhaps a little
wayward; while he grew daily more enamoured of his plan, redoubled his
tenderness, seeking to study her whims in every other respect. It is cruel
to loose every bond but that which galls most sorely, to pluck away every
thorn but that which pricks most sharp