s. Edmonstone, looking at him more
inquiringly than he could well bear.

'You know how he enjoys being here, and I owe them all so much
kindness.'

'Certainly; I will speak to your uncle,' said she, going in search of
him. She presently returned, saying they should be very glad to see Mr.
Thorndale, asking him at the same time, in her kind tones of interest,
after an old servant for whom he had been spending much thought and
pains. The kindness cut him to the heart, for it evidently arose from
a perception that he was ill at ease, and his conscience smote him. He
answered shortly, and was glad when the carriage came; he lifted Charles
into it, and stood with folded arms as they drove away.

'The air is stormy,' said Charles, looking back at him.'

'You thought so, too?' said Mrs. Edmonstone, eagerly.

'You did!'

'I have wondered for some time past.'

'It was very decided to-day--that long absence--and there was no
provoking him to be sententious. His bringing his young man might be
only to keep him in due subjection; but his choosing the day of the
party, and above all, not walking with the young ladies.'

'It not like himself,' said Mrs. Edmonstone, in a leading tone.

'Either the sweet youth is in love, or in the course of some strange
transformation.'

'In love!' she exclaimed. 'Have you any reason for thinking so?'

'Only as a solution of phenomena; but you look as if I had hit on the
truth.'

'I hope it is no such thing; yet--'

'Yet?' repeated Charles, seriously. 'I think he has discovered the
danger.'

'The danger of falling in love with Laura? Well, it would be odd if he
was not satisfied with his own work. But he must know how preposterous
that would be.'

'And you think that would prevent it?' said his mother, smiling. 'He
is just the man to plume himself on making his judgment conquer his
inclination, setting novels at defiance. How magnanimously he would
resolve to stifle a hopeless attachment!'

'That is exactly what I think he is doing. I think he has found out the
state of his feelings, and is doing all in his power to check them by
avoiding her, especially in tete-a-tetes, and an unconstrained family
party. I am nearly convinced that is his reason for bringing Mr.
Thorndale, and fixing on the day of the dinner. Poor fellow, it must
cost him a great deal, and I long to tell him how I thank him.'

'Hm! I don't think it unlikely,' said Charles. 'It agrees with what
happened the eveni