But, upon this state there came a natural re-action.  A peaceful calm succeeded the storm.  Memory deposited her records in the mind’s dimly lighted chambers.  To the present was restored its better influences.

“I am free again,” was the almost audible utterance, of the young man, so strong was his sense of relief.

An offer of marriage was then made to Miss Weldon.  Her heart trembled with joy when she received it.  But confiding implicitly in her uncle, who had been for the space of ten years her friend and guardian, she could not give an affirmative reply until his approval was gained.  She, therefore, asked time for reflection and consultation with her friend.

Far different from what Florence had expected, was the reception of his offer.  To him, Miss Weldon seemed instantly to grow cold and reserved.  Vividly was now recalled his rejection by Miss Linmore, as well as the ground of her rejection.

“Is this to be gone over again?” he sighed to himself, when alone once more, “Is that one false step never to be forgotten nor forgiven?  Am I to be followed, through life, by this shadow of evil?”

To no other cause than this could the mind of Florence attribute the apparent change and hesitation in Clara Weldon.

Immediately on receiving an offer of marriage, Miss Weldon returned to Albany.  Before leaving, she dropped Florence a note, to the effect, that he should hear from her in a few days.  A week passed, but the promised word came not.  It was, now plain that the friends of the young lady had been making inquiries about him, and were in possession of certain facts in his life, which, if known, would almost certainly blast his hopes of favor in her eyes.  While in this state of uncertainty, he met the aunt of Edith, and the way she looked at him, satisfied his mind that his conjectures were true.  A little while after a friend remarked to him casually—­

“I saw Colonel Richards in town to-day.”

“Colonel Richards!  Miss Weldon’s uncle?”

“Yes.  Have you seen him?”

“No.  I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance.”

“Indeed!  I thought you knew him.  I heard him mention your name this morning.”

“My name!”

“Yes.”

“What had he to say of me?”

“Let me think.  Oh!  He asked me if I knew you.”

“Well?”

“I said that I did, of course and that you were a pretty clever fellow; though you had been a sad boy in your time.”

The face of Florence instantly reddened.

“Why, what’s the matter?  Oh I understand now!  That little niece of his is one of your flames.  But come!  Don’t take it so to heart.  Your chances are one in ten, I have no doubt.  By the way, I haven’t seen Clara for a week.  What has become of her?  Gone back to Albany, I suppose.  I hope you haven’t frightened her with an offer.  By the way, let me whisper a word of comfort in your ear.  I heard her say that she didn’t believe in any thing but first love; and, as you are known to have had half a dozen sweethearts, more or less, and to have broken the hearts of two or three young ladies, the probability is, that you won’t be able to add her to tie number of your lady loves.”