dice
often operates on our fancies so as to create fears, lest to the object
of whom we are enamoured we prove indifferent, and we fancy ourselves
almost criminal for loving. Though possibly not a common phase in the
_esprit d'amour_, it was, nevertheless, the one in which burnt the lamp
of our friend; for though he loved Miss Kate Williamson to distraction,
he never ventured to breathe one word to her that was likely to disclose
the fire that consumed his heart. 'Tis true her manner to him, though
cordial in the extreme, was not such as to inspire him with the idea
that his love was reciprocated. With the high sense of her filial duty,
she conceived herself bound to receive the authorized attentions of a
gentleman possessing the warrant of her father's friendship, and, in
return for that friend's civilities, to tender those little captivating
mannerisms, and throw into her receptions and interviews those sweet and
winning ways, so peculiar to beings of her stamp. Beyond that, however,
she gave him no encouragement. It may be she soon perceived, what John
Ferguson failed to conceal, the pleasure which he enjoyed while in her
society; it may also be that those visits, which she at first considered
a duty to her parent to receive, she afterwards welcomed with receptions
as warm and cordial as possible, compatible with her own modesty; and it
may be true that she began to admire their visitor for his own merits,
and reciprocate pleasure in their numerous interviews, while she little
dreamt, that what she considered the mere acts of hospitality, were
making such havoc in the breast of John Ferguson. He, on the other hand,
while admiring the bright object ever in his mind, feared venturing a
disclosure, which, in his position and prospects, his conscience
whispered to him would be considered presumptuous. Thus matters rested,
until a fortuitous circumstance broke the spell that bound these two
young hearts, and disclosed to each the transitory nature of their
dream.

A young physician of considerable practice, good connexions, gentlemanly
manners, and prepossessing appearance, and who had long been known to
and intimate with the family, in an interview with Mr. Williamson,
declared his admiration for his daughter's virtues, and expressed an
esteem for herself, that justified the father in sanctioning his request
to be admitted as an acknowledged suitor for the young lady's hand; and
his pretensions to her regards were suppor