"God forgive him! Let him pass into other hands than mine," was the young man's decision as he turned over the pages of the cruel letter. The young barrister was magnanimous in the highest degree. It was then the grandeur of his character shone in its purity and nobility, and as his sister came in with a tiny note she fancied that she heard him repeat in earnest tones the words "never— never—never!"
"This is for you, Brother Phillip; Fred. Verne left it this afternoon."
A smile followed the reading of the note. It was from Cousin Jennie. The young lady had arrived in the city and was ready to convey him to "Gladswood," free of charge.
"Lottie, can you get Edith to stay with you this evening? I shall be out."
The girl, with all the impetuosity of her nature, set off on the gleeful message, while Phillip Lawson mapped out a letter that was energetic and full of decision.
"There will be no more solicitation from that quarter. Heavens! it was a great temptation. Well, if I had exposed them, what good could come of it."
A few hours later Mr. Lawson was announced at Sunnybank. Cousin
Jennie was in her gayest mood.
"I am ready for you. Mr. Lawson; what is your verdict?" cried she, giving him a hearty shake of the hand.
"That the law must take its course," said Mr. Verne, who at that moment entered and gave the young man a warm greeting.
"You have been sadly delinquent of late, Mr. Lawson. I ask the women folks, and the answer invariably is in the negative. Now, if it were not that this little country girl is here I would carry you off to my den."