"I do not call any man correct, who trifles with the happiness of a young lady."
"Certainly not!"
"I have heard other remarks prejudicial to him; but it was sufficient for me to know that after deliberately winning the love and confidence of a beautiful girl, he left her on the appearance of a wealthier rival."
"A man that will do that is a rascal!" exclaimed the new-comer, warmly.
"Are you sure it is not a mistake?" queried the other lady.
"I wish for Ada's sake it could be doubted. Imagine my situation as a guest, knowing what I did, yet not wishing to wound her feelings by telling her."
"You ought to have told her frankly."
"It might have been better; but I had not the moral courage. Really, the worry I had between expediency and a fear of losing Ada's friendship almost spoiled my visit. If I but hinted at the truth, she would at once communicate the fact, with the authority for it; and I should either have been obliged to bring proof, or have been thought officious."
"Either course would have been trying, but if she really loved you, and was worthy of your friendship, she would have appreciated your motives. Could you not hint the facts to her parents in a letter?"
"Oh, no! You cannot be acquainted with Squire Morrison, or you would never think of such a thing. To tell the truth, he was not at first over-pleased with Mr. Barton; but Ada is an only daughter, and he would not thwart her wishes. If he thought the gentleman had been guilty of such meanness, he would set all W— in a blaze."