been torn out by
your grandfather's orders, was there not two years ago, and that I can
show by whose hands it was torn out at a much later date. Assure her,
however, that I will do every thing in my power, and bid her be of good
hope."

"I do not understand the matter," answered Emily, "and never heard of
this register, but I dare say my mother has, and will comprehend your
meaning better than I do. I know the very hope will give her great
pleasure."

"Remember one thing, however, dear Emily," replied Marlow, "on no
account mention to her my suspicions of Mrs. Hazleton, nor show any
suspicions of that good lady yourself. It is absolutely necessary that
she should be kept in ignorance of our doubts, till those doubts become
certainties. However, in case of any painful and unpleasant
circumstances occurring while I am absent, I must leave these papers
with you. They consist of the note sent you by Mrs. Hazleton which you
showed me, a paper which I feel confident is in her handwriting, but
which imitates your hand very exactly, and which has led to wrong
impressions, and the letter of young John Ayliffe--or at least that
which he wrote under Mrs. Hazleton's direction. I have added a few words
of my own, on a separate sheet of paper, stating the impression which I
have in regard to all these matters, and which I will justify whenever
it may be needful."

"But what am I to do with them?" asked Emily, simply.

"Keep them safely, and ever at hand, dear girl," replied Marlow, in a
grave tone. "You will find your father on his return a good deal
altered--moody and dissatisfied. It will be as well for you to take no
notice of such demeanor, unless he expresses plainly some cause of
discontent. If he do so--if he should venture upon any occasion to
reproach you, my Emily--"

"For what?" exclaimed Emily, in utter surprise.

"It would be too long and too painful to explain all just now, dear
one," answered her lover. "But such a thing may happen, my Emily.
Deceived, and in error, he may perhaps reproach you for things you never
dreamt of. He may also judge wrongly of your conduct in not having told
him of this young scoundrel's proposal to you. In either case put that
packet of papers in his hands, and tell him frankly and candidly every
thing."

"He is sometimes so reserved and grave," said Emily, "that I never like
to speak to him on any subject to which he does not lead the way. I
sometimes think he does not understand