'Not that I know of. If my uncle and aunt choose to dispose of me,
I cannot help it.'

'It is well for girls to be disposed of sometimes. It saves them a
world of trouble.'

'I don't know what you mean by that, George;--whether it is intended
to be ill-natured.'

'No, indeed. Why should I be ill-natured to you? I heartily wish
you to be well and happy. I daresay M. Urmand will make you a good
husband. Good-bye, Marie. I shall be off in a few minutes. Will
you not say farewell to me?'

'Farewell, George.'

'We used to be friends, Marie.'

'Yes;--we used to be friends.'

'And I have never forgotten the old days. I will not promise to
come to your marriage, because it would not make either of us happy,
but I shall wish you well. God bless you, Marie.' Then he put his
arm round her and kissed her, as he might have done to a sister,--as
it was natural that he should do to Marie Bromar, regarding her as a
cousin. She did not speak a word more, and then he was gone!

She had been quite unable to tell him the truth. The manner in
which he had first addressed her made it impossible for her to tell