th we must guard her more
carefully. Of all things in the world, I dread an improper marriage
for Mary. If she should throw away her affections upon an unworthy
object, how sad would be her condition! Her gentle spirit, wounded
in the tenderest part, would fail, and droop, and pine away in
hopeless sorrow. Some women have a strength of character that
enables them to rise superior, in a degree, to even such an
affliction; but Mary could not bear it."

"I feel deeply the truth of what you say," replied Mr. Lester. "Her
affections are ardent, and easily called out. We have been to blame
in not thinking more seriously of this matter before."

"I wish she would come home! It is growing far too late for her to
be absent," the mother said, in a voice of anxious concern.

Then succeeded a long and troubled silence, which continued until
the clock struck eleven.

"Bless me! where can she be?" ejaculated Mr. Lester, rising and
beginning to pace the floor with hurried steps.

This he continued to do for nearly a quarter of an hour, when he
paused, and said--

"Do you know where Mrs. Martindale lives?"

"At No.--Pearl street."

"No doubt she can tell where Mary is."

"I think it more than probable."

"Then I will see her at once."

"Had you not better wait a little longer? I should be sorry to
attract attention, or cause remark about the matter, which would be
the result, if it got out that you went in search of her after
eleven o'clock at night."

This had the effect to cause Mr. Lester to wait little longer. But
when the clock struck twelve, he could restrain himself no further.
Taking up his hat, he hurried off in the direction of Mrs.
Martindale's.

"Is Mrs. Martindale at home?" he asked of the servant, who, after he
had rung three or four times, found her way to the door.

"No, sir," was the reply.

"Where is she?"

"I do not know, sir."

"Will she be here to-night?"

"No, sir."

"Is she in the habit of staying away at night?"

"No, sir."

"Where did she go early in the evening?"

"I do not know, sir."

Disappointed, and doubly alarmed, Mr. Lester turned away, and
retraced his steps homeward.

"Did you see her?" eagerly inquired his wife, as he entered.

"She is not at home."

"Where is she?"

"The stupid servant could not or would not tell."

"Indeed, indeed, I do not like the appearance of all this," said
Mrs. Lester, with a troubled countenance.

"Nor do I. I am sadly afraid all is