a woman of wealth, but I would not
unite myself with a lady who would not honor me by giving me sole control
of all her possessions."

"Well, Richard," answered I, laughing, "you can control mine if you like.
It matters little to me who holds the deed, so long as my dominion over
the young ladies is not invaded."

"That is what I expected of your, loving nature, Agnes, and yet I suppose
you would hesitate to convey your property to me."

"No; why should I?" I exclaimed. "I will go with you to an attorney this
moment, if you desire it."

"Well, come, we shall see; get your bonnet," said he gaily.

I tied on my bonnet, and accompanied him down the street into a little
dingy office in a narrow thoroughfare.

At the door, laying his hand upon my shoulder, he said jokingly:

"Agnes, go back, I was only trying you; I wanted to see if you meant what
you said."

"Of course I meant it, and I will not go back till it is done."

"Well, well, you must have your own way, I see!" and with a gay, exulting
smile he led me into the office.

I signed the paper giving to him the house and lands, and was glad when
it was done, for I felt that it might atone for any suspicion or doubt of
his goodness which had crossed my mind, for he had made me very happy
since our marriage.

I returned to my school and its duties. In the interval between the
recitations, I had time to reflect. I had acted impulsively, and perhaps
unfairly. What right had I to give away a property given to me for an
especial purpose?

Had I done right? That was the question which annoyed me--the question
which constantly thrust itself before me during the live-long day. My
sleep that night was disturbed. The form of the elder Mr. Bristed
appeared in my dreams. He seemed to reproach me by his looks, and when I
endeavored to speak to him, vanished from my sight.

Richard had left me after my signing the paper. He told me he was obliged
to leave town on business, and I had no one to council with. My own
thoughts startled me; I became nervous, and finally quite ill.

CHAPTER XV.

At length, after two days of unrest and self-condemnation, I quieted
myself with the assurance that I would go to the Hall and see Mr.
Bristed; then also I could see dear Herbert, to whom my heart went often
out with longing. His name was never mentioned between Richard and
myself. I avoided the subject; a dread which I could not overcome forbade
me to speak of it. But now a