ust his flatteries, poor
Kitty's face would fail, and she would give her reasons for _sometimes_
thinking he was sincere--he had such a _truthful, earnest_ way of
speaking.

At last Mr. Bruce tried Gertrude's firmness by offering to her
acceptance a rich ring. Not a little surprised at his presumption, she
declined it without ceremony, and the next day saw it on the finger of
Kitty, who was eager to give an account of its presentation.

"And did you _accept_ it?" asked Gertrude, with such a look of
astonishment, that Kitty observed it, and evaded an acknowledgment of
having done so, by saying, with a blushing countenance, that she agreed
to wear it a little while.

"I wouldn't," said Gertrude.

"Why not?"

"Because, in the first place, I do not think it is in good taste to
receive such rich gifts from gentlemen; and then, again, if strangers
notice it, you may be subjected to unpleasant, significant remarks."

"What would you do with it?" asked Kitty.

"I should give it back."

Kitty looked very undecided; but concluded to offer it to Mr. Bruce, and
tell him what Gertrude said. She did so, and that gentleman, little
appreciating Gertrude's motives, and believing her only desirous of
making difficulty between him and Kitty, jumped at the conclusion that
her heart was won at last. He was disappointed, therefore, when, on his
next meeting with her, she treated him as she had invariably done of
late, with cool civility; indeed, it seemed to him that she was more
insensible than ever to his attractions, and hastily quitted the house,
much to the distress of Kitty.

"Shall I," thought he, "marry this poor girl? Shall I, who have a
handsome fortune, and additional expectations to make a brilliant
alliance, condescend to share my wealth with this adopted child of the
Grahams? If she were one atom less charming, I would disappoint her,
after all! I wonder how she'd feel if I should marry Kitty! I dare say
that she would come to my wedding, bend her slender neck as gracefully
as ever, and say, '_Good evening, Mr. Bruce_,' as calmly as she does
now, every time I go to the house! But, as _Mrs. Bruce_, I should be
proud of that manner, certainly. I wonder how I ever got in love with
her; I'm sure I don't know. She isn't handsome; mother thinks she isn't,
and so does Belle Clinton. But Lieutenant Osborne noticed her the minute
she came into the room; and Fan raves about her beauty. I don't know
what I think myself; I beli