Maxwell replied to this by pushing out his lips, drawing up his chin, half closing his eyes, and nodding his head in a very contemptuous manner; saying almost as plainly as words could express it—­“All gammon, doctor!  You needn’t try to come over me with that kind of nonsense.”

Satisfied that it would be useless to say any thing more upon the subject at that time, I turned away, remarking as I did so—­

“If you are not influenced by my advice in this matter, you may chance to feel more potent reasons.  A word to the wise is sufficient.”

The shoemaker made no reply, and we parted.  My first impression was to go immediately to Mr. W——­and apprize him of the condition of his nephew.  But a little reflection convinced me that it would be much better to make some previous inquiries in regard to his family, and endeavour to ascertain the reason of his estrangement from his sister.  I would then be able to act with more certainty of success.  I soon obtained all the information I desired.  The history was an impressive one.  I will give it as briefly as possible.

Anna W——­, at the age of twenty, was esteemed and beloved by all who knew her.  Her family was one of wealth and standing, and she moved in our first circles.  She had but one brother, to whom she was tenderly attached.  Philip was her elder by some years.  Among the many who sought the regard of Anna, was a young man named Miller, who had been for years the intimate friend of her brother.  Extremely fond of his sister, and highly valuing his friend for his many estimable qualities, Philip was more than gratified when he saw evidences of attachment springing up between them.

Besides Miller, Anna had another suitor, a young man named Westfield, who had become quite intimate with her, but who had made no open declaration of love before Miller came forward and offered for her hand.  Westfield loved Anna passionately, but hesitated to declare his feelings, long after he had come to the conclusion that without her for his companion through life, existence would be undesirable.  This arose from the fact of his not being certain in regard to the maiden’s sentiments, Anna was always kind, but reserved.  She was, he could see, ever pleased to meet him; but how far this pleasure was the same that she experienced in meeting other friends, he could not tell.  While thus hesitating, business required him to go to New Orleans, and spend some months there.  Before leaving he called three several times upon Miss W——­, with the intention of making known his sentiments, but each time shrank from the avowal, and finally resolved that he would make the declaration in writing immediately on his arrival at New Orleans.  With this object in view, he asked her if she were willing to correspond with him.  Anna hesitated a moment or two before replying, and then assented with a blushing cheek.

For some months before this, Miller had shown more than his usual attentions to the sister of his friend; and these had been sufficiently marked to attract Anna’s notice.  He was a man of intelligence, fine attainments, honourable sentiments, and of good personal appearance.  To his attractions the maiden was by no means insensible.  But Westfield had a prior claim upon her heart—­she admired the former, but loved the latter unacknowledged to herself.