Meanwhile, with the widow and her daughter, time passed happily away.  Emma’s salary was more than sufficient for their support and they were happy in the society of each other.  There was one family, by the name of Milford, who had treated them with much kindness since their residence in the city.  Mrs. Milford at first placed two little girls under Emma’s instruction, and thus began an acquaintance which soon ripened into intimate friendship; for, although occupying a high position of wealth and influence, Mrs. Milford was one of the few who place “mind above matter” and respected true worth wherever she met with it.  Her eldest daughter, having finished her education at a distant boarding school, returned home about the same time her two sisters were placed in charge of Emma; and the little girls were so eloquent in their praise of their teacher, that their eldest sister became interested, and decided to call upon her at her home; and the lady-like appearance of both mother and daughter, together with the appearance of good taste which their home exhibited, strongly interested her in their favor.

Some six months previous to the period of which I am writing a young physician from the Upper Province located himself in the city of H. for the practice of his profession.  According to common report, he was wealthy, and the study of a profession had with him been a matter not of necessity but of choice.  Owing to his pleasing manners, as well as his reputed wealth, he soon became an object of much interest to many of the match-making mammas and marriageable young ladies of the city of H. He was soon favored with numerous invitations to attend parties, where he formed acquaintance with most of the young people in the fashionable circle of the city; and he soon became a general favorite in society.  Among others, he attended a large party given by the Carltons, and by this means became acquainted with the family.  He had called occasionally; and during one of those calls Mrs. Carlton very feelingly lamented that her daughter was often obliged to forego the pleasure of attending concerts, lectures and other places of public amusement for want of a suitable escort; and courtesy to the family would of course allow him to do no less than offer to become her attendant upon such occasions.  Mrs. Carlton, however, put a very different construction upon these slight attentions, and already looked upon him as her future son-in-law.

When Dr. Winthrop had resided for about a year in the city, the Milfords also gave a large party, and Miss Ashton was included among their guests.  The party was a brilliant affair, for the Milfords were a family of wealth and high social position.  The young physician was among their guests; and Miss Carlton managed some way or other to claim his attention most of the evening.  There was the usual amount of small talk, common to such occasions; about the usual number of young ladies were invited to sing and play, and, as usual, they were either out of practice