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"I was already greatly indebted to him, and did not wish to increase

the obligation."

"My child, under the circumstances, you were too fastidious. He was

very much annoyed; though, as I told you before, he made no allusion

to the subject."

"Yes; I knew he would be, and I am very sorry, but could not think

of accepting it."

"Oh, you are well matched, upon my word!"

"What do you mean?"

"That you are both as proud as Lucifer and as savage as heathens.

Child, I don't see what is to become of you."

"Every soul is the star of its own destiny," answered Beulah.

"Well, very sorry destinies the majority make, I can tell you. Have

you seen Mrs. Lockhart and Pauline?"

"No. I was not aware that they were in the city."

"Lockhart's health is miserable. They are all at Hartwell's for a

few weeks, I believe. Pauline has grown up a perfect Di Vernon

beauty."

"I should like very much to see her. She is a generous, noble-souled

girl."

"Yes; I rather think she is. Hartwell said the other day that

Pauline was anxious to see you; and, since I think of it, I believe

he asked me to tell you of her arrival. Now, I will wager my head

that you intend to wait until she calls formally, which it is your

place to do."

"Then, sir, expect immediate decapitation, for I shall go out to see

her this very afternoon," replied Beulah.

"That is right, my dear child."

"Dr. Asbury, if you will not think me troublesome, I should like to

tell you of some things that perplex me very much," said she

hesitatingly.

"I shall be glad to hear whatever you have to say, and if I can

possibly help you, rest assured I will. What perplexes you?"

"A great many things, sir. Of late, I have read several works that

have unsettled my former faith, and, indeed, confused and darkened

my mind most miserably, and I thought you might aid me in my search

after truth."

He threw his cigar into the fire, and, while an expression of sorrow

clouded his face, said, very gravely: "Beulah, I am afraid I am one of the last persons to whom you should

apply for assistance. Do the perplexities to which you allude

involve religious questions?"

"Yes, sir; almost entirely."

"I am too unsettled myself to presume to direct others."