“I should think not” said the doctor, “but what can excite such a thought in your breast, and one so much to the prejudice of George?”

“The only unpleasant thing I have ever observed in him,” said Mrs. Wilson gravely, “is the suspicion which induced him to adopt the disguise in which he entered our family.”

“He did not adopt it, madam—–­ chance and circumstances drew it around him accidentally; and when you consider the peculiar state of his mind from the discovery of his mother’s misconduct—­his own great wealth and rank—–­ it is not so surprising that he should yield to a deception, rather harmless than injurious.”

“Dr. Ives,” said Mrs. Wilson, “is not wont to defend deceit.”

“Nor do I now, madam;” replied the doctor with a smile; “I acknowledge the offence of George, myself, wife, and son.  I remonstrated at the time upon principle; I said the end would not justify the means; that a departure from ordinary rules of propriety was at all times dangerous, and seldom practised with impunity.”

“And you failed to convince your hearers,” cried Mrs. Wilson, gaily; “a novelty in your case, my good rector.”

“I thank you for the compliment,” said the doctor; “I did convince them as to the truth of the principle, but the earl contended that his case might make an innocent exception.  He had the vanity to think, I believe, that by concealing his real name, he injured himself more than any one else, and got rid of the charge in some such way.  He is however, thoroughly convinced of the truth of the position, by practice; his sufferings, growing out of the mistake of his real character, and which could not have happened had he appeared in proper person, having been greater than he is ready to acknowledge.”

“If they study the fate of the Donna Julia, and his own weakness,” said the widow, “they will have a salutary moral always at hand, to teach them the importance of two cardinal virtues at least—­obedience and truth.”

“Julia has suffered much,” replied the doctor; “and although she has returned to her father, the consequences of her imprudence are likely to continue.  When once the bonds of mutual confidence and respect are broken, they may be partially restored, it is true, but never with a warmth and reliance such as existed previously.  To return, however, to yourself, do you not feel a sensation of delight at the prosperous end of your exertions in behalf of Emily?”

“It is certainly pleasant to think we have discharged our duties, and the task is much easier than we are apt to suppose,” said Mrs. Wilson; “it is only to commence the foundation, so that it will be able to support the superstructure.  I have endeavored to make Emily a Christian.  I have endeavored to form such a taste and principles in her, that she would not be apt to admire an improper suitor and I have labored to prepare her to discharge her continued duties through life, in such a manner and with such a faith, as under the providence of God will result in happiness far exceeding anything she now enjoys.  In all these, by the blessing of Heaven, I have succeeded, and had occasion offered, I would have assisted her inexperience through the more delicate decisions of her sex, though in no instance would I attempt to control them.”