o settle in life. He was not rich enough to
portion three daughters; and he had not interest enough to start his
sons favorably in a career of eminence. Mr. Streatfield, on the
contrary, was a man of great wealth, and of great "connections" among
people in power. Was such a son-in-law to be rejected, even after all
that had happened, without at least consulting his wife and daughters
first? He thought not. Had not Mr. Streatfield, in truth, been the
victim of a remarkable fatality, of an incredible accident, and were no
allowances, under such circumstances, to be made for him? He began to
think there were. Reflecting thus, he determined at length to proceed
with moderation and caution at all hazards; and regained composure
enough to continue the conversation in a cold, but still in a polite
tone.

"I will commit myself, sir, to no agreement or promise whatever," he
began, "nor will I consider this interview in any respect as a
conclusive one, either on your side or mine; but if I think, on
consideration, that it is desirable that our conversation should be
repeated to my wife and daughters, I will make them acquainted with it,
and will let you know the result. In the mean time, I think you will
agree with me, that it is most fit that the next communications between
us should take place by letter alone."

Mr. Streatfield was not slow in taking the hint conveyed by Mr.
Langley'a last words. After what had occurred, and until something was
definitely settled, he felt that the suffering and suspense which he was
already enduring would be increased tenfold if he remained longer in the
same house with the twin sisters--the betrothed of one, the lover of the
other! Murmuring a few inaudible words of acquiescence in the
arrangement which had just been proposed to him, he left the room. The
same evening he quitted Langley Hall.

The next morning the remainder of the guests departed, their curiosity
to know all the particulars of what had happened remaining ungratified.
They were simply informed that an extraordinary and unexpected obstacle
had arisen to delay the wedding; that no blame attached to any one in
the matter; and that as soon as every thing had been finally determined,
every thing would be explained. Until then, it was not considered
necessary to enter in any way into particulars. By the middle of the day
every visitor had left the house; and a strange and melancholy spectacle
it presented when they were all gone.