s I met her in company with young Dewey, and observed her
closely. Alas! In my eyes the work of moral retrocession had already
begun. She was gay and chatty, and her countenance fresh and blooming.
But I missed something--something the absence of which awakened a sigh
of regret. Ralph was very lover-like in his deportment, fluttering about
Delia, complimenting her, and showing her many obtrusive attentions. But
eyes that were in the habit of looking below the surface of things, saw
no heart in it all.

Squire Floyd was delighted with his daughter's fine prospects; and he
and Judge Bigelow drew their heads together over the affair in a cosy
and confidential way very pleasant to both of them. The Judge was
eloquent touching his nephew's fine qualities and splendid prospects;
and congratulated the Squire, time and again, on his daughter's
fortunate matrimonial speculation. He used the word which was
significative beyond any thing that entered his imagination.

A few days after the engagement Ralph Dewey returned to New York. The
wedding-day had not been fixed; but the marriage, as understood by all
parties, was to take place some time during the next winter.

From that time I noticed a change in Delia. She grew silent in company,
and had an absent way about her that contrasted strongly with her former
social disposition. Young people rallied her in the usual style about
her heart being absent with the beloved one, but I read the signs
differently. It could not but follow, that a soul, endowed like hers,
would have misgivings in view of an alliance with one like Ralph
Dewey. What was there in him to satisfy a true woman's yearnings for
conjunction with a kindred nature? Nothing! He was all outside as to
good. A mere selfish, superficial, speculating man of the world. While
she had a heart capable of the deepest and truest affection. Would he
make the fitting complement to her life? Alas! No! That were a thing
impossible.

During the few months that preceded this marriage, I often heard its
promise discussed by my wife and Mrs. Dean, neither of whom had any
strong liking for the young New York merchant.

"It's my opinion," said Mrs. Dean, as she sat with my wife one evening,
about two months after the engagement had taken place, "that Ralph has
more froth than substance about him. He really talks, sometimes, as if
he had the world in a sling and could toss it up among the stars. As far
as my observation goes, such peopl