e, make her the depositary of my
long-treasured secret--which, as yet, was not to be divulged to any one
besides. This done, I hurried away, between nine and ten o'clock, for
a last half-hour's visit to North Villa; hardly able to realise my own
situation, or to comprehend the fulness and exaltation of my own joy.

A disappointment was in store for me. Margaret was not in the house; she
had gone out to an evening party, given by a maiden aunt of hers, who
was known to be very rich, and was, accordingly, a person to be courted
and humoured by the family.

I was angry as well as disappointed at what had taken place. To
send Margaret out, on this evening of all others, showed a want of
consideration towards both of us, which revolted me. Mr. and Mrs.
Sherwin were in the room when I entered; and to _him_ I spoke my opinion
on the subject, in no very conciliatory terms. He was suffering from a
bad attack of headache, and a worse attack of ill-temper, and answered
as irritably as he dared.

"My good Sir!" he said, in sharp, querulous tones, "do, for once, allow
me to know what's best. You'll have it all _your_ way to-morrow--just
let me have _mine,_ for the last time, to-night. I'm sure you've been
humoured often enough about keeping Margaret away from parties--and we
should have humoured you this time, too; but a second letter came from
the old lady, saying she should be affronted if Margaret wasn't one of
her guests. I couldn't go and talk her over, because of this infernal
headache of mine--Hang it! it's your interest that Margaret should keep
in with her aunt; she'll have all the old girl's money, if she only
plays her cards decently well. That's why I sent her to the party--her
going will be worth some thousands to both of you one of these days.
She'll be back by half-past twelve, or before. Mannion was asked; and
though he's all out of sorts, he's gone to take care of her, and bring
her back. I'll warrant she comes home in good time, when _he's_ with
her. So you see there's nothing to make a fuss about, after all."

It was certainly a relief to hear that Mr. Mannion was taking care of
Margaret. He was, in my opinion, much fitter for such a trust than her
own father. Of all the good services he had done for me, I thought this
the best--but it would have been even better still, if he had prevented
Margaret from going to the party.

"I must say again," resumed Mr. Sherwin, still more irritably, finding
I did not at on