"Ah, some people do not think so deeply," he returned, gaily.
"I fear not," said she, sadly.
"Well, you have had trials sufficient," he added, "without adding mine to them—do not fear for me, I hope some day to hear you congratulate me on my happiness."
Without waiting for a reply he took up a book, which he had made the nominal reason for his visit to the morning room, and disappeared.
She hurried quickly to her own little chamber, to think over this strange conversation, which she believed conclusive of his attachment to Caroline. But was she worthy of him, would she influence him rightly—she tried to believe that the character drawn by her own quick judgment was only wrought by jealousy. Not a little did she feel pained at their quarrel, for she thought how easily might she prejudice her in his opinion.
"I can bear to lose his love," she thought, "but not his esteem—and yet I must, if necessary, do both, perhaps, if she speaks ill of me, and he will surely believe her."
Those who have experienced many trials will remember, that sometimes, by their quick succession, the mind becomes braced to endurance. It was so with Mabel; besides, she had certain fixed principles, and though she often erred from them, her mind almost invariably recovered its strength; and she now endeavoured to school it to the endurance of those small trials, which in her happy home at Aston, she had almost entirely escaped.
CHAPTER XIII.
The hope of fame may in his heart have place,
But he has dread and horror of disgrace,
Nor has he that confiding easy way,
That might his learning and himself display;
But to his work, he from the world retreats,
And frets and glories o'er the favorite sheets.