ke
papa do just what you wanted all at once. Do you know what
it is to have taken possession of a young lady's heart;
or is it true, as Augusta says of you, that you care for
nothing but the money? If it is so, say it at once and
let me die. As it is I am so very ill that I cannot eat a
mouthful of anything, and have hardly strength left to me
to write this letter.

But I cannot really believe what Augusta says, though I
daresay it may have been so with Mr. Traffick. Perhaps you
have not been to your club, and so you have not got my
former letter. Or, it may be that you are ill yourself.
If so, I do wish that I could come and nurse you, though
indeed I am so ill that I am quite unable to leave my bed.

At any rate, pray write immediately;--and do come! Mamma
seems to think that papa will give way because I am so
ill. If so, I shall think my illness the luckiest thing
in the world.--You must believe, dearest Frank, that I am
now, as ever, yours most affectionately,

GERTRUDE.

Frank Houston was less credulous than Sir Thomas, and did not believe
much in the young lady's sickness. It was evident that the young lady
was quite up to the work of deceiving her father and mother, and
would no doubt be willing to deceive himself if anything could be got
by it. But, whether she were ill or whether she were well, he could
offer her no comfort. Nevertheless, he was bound to send her some
answer, and with a troubled spirit he wrote as follows;--

MY DEAR MISS TRINGLE,

It is to me a matter of inexpressible grief that I should
have to explain again that I am unable to persist in
seeking the honour of your hand in opposition to the
absolute and repeated refusals which I have received from
your father. It is so evident that we could not marry
without his consent that I need not now go into that
matter. But I think myself bound to say that, considering
the matter in all its bearing, I must regard our
engagement as finally at an end. Were I to hesitate in
saying this very plainly I think I should be doing you an
injury.

I am sorry to hear that you are unwell, and trust that you
may soon recover your health.

Your sincere friend,

FRANK HOUSTON.

On the next morning Gertrude was still in her bed, having there
received her letter, when she sent a message to her brother. Would
Tom come and see her? Tom attended