By a strong effort, Florence was able to conceal from other eyes much of what he felt.  In doing this, a certain over action was the consequence; and he was gayer than usual.  Several times he endeavored to be lightly familiar with the bride; but, in every instance that he approached her, he perceived a kind of instinctive shrinking; and, if she was in a laughing mood, when he drew near she became serious and reserved.  All this was too plain to be mistaken; and like the repeated strokes of a hammer upon glowing iron, gradually bent his feelings from the buoyant form they had been endeavoring to assume.  The effect was not wholly to be resisted.  More than an hour before the happy assemblage broke up, Florence was not to be found in the brilliantly lighted rooms.  Unable longer to conceal what he felt, he had retired.

For many days after this, the young man felt sober.  “Why haven’t you called to see me?” asked the friend who had married Miss Linmore, a week or two after the celebration of the nuptials.

Florence excused himself as best he could, and promised to call in a few days.  Two weeks went by without the fulfillment of his promise.

“No doubt, we shall see you next week,” said the friend, meeting him one day about this time; “though I am not so sure we will receive your visits then.”

“Why not?”

“A certain young lady with whom, I believe, you have some acquaintance, is to spend a short time with us.”

“Who?” asked Florence, quickly.

“A young lady from Albany.”

“Miss Weldon?”

“The same.”

“I was not aware that she was on terms of intimacy with your wife.”

“She’s an old friend of mine; and, in that sense a friend of Kate’s.”

“Then they have not met.”

“Oh, yes; frequently.  And are warmly attached.  We look for a pleasant visit.  But, of course, we shall not expect to see you.  That is understood.”

“I rather think you will; that is, if your wife will admit me on friendly terms.”

“Why do you say that?” inquired the friend, appearing a little surprised.

“I thought, on the night of your wedding, that she felt my presence as unwelcome to her.”

“And is this the reason why you have not called to see us.”

“I frankly own that it is.”

“Edwin!  I am surprised at you.  It is all a piece of imagination.  What could have put such a thing into your head?”

“It may have been all imagination.  But I couldn’t help feelings as I did.  However, you may expect to see me, and that, too, before Miss Weldon’s arrival.”

“If you don’t present yourself before, I am not so sure that we will let you come afterwards,” said the friend, smiling.