_ 'Bar the fell dragon's blighting way; but shun that lovely
snare.'"
"On the contrary," said Edward calmly, " I only wish she could make me as
good as she is, or half as good."
"Give her the chance, old fellow, and then it won't be your fault if she
makes a mess of it. Call at two, and Jenny will receive you very kindly,
and will show you you are in the 'gall of bitterness and the bond of
iniquity.' Now, won't that be nice?"
"I will go," said Edward gravely.
They parted. Where Alfred went the reader can perhaps guess; Edward to
luncheon.
"Mamma," said he, with that tranquillity which sat so well on him, "don't
you think Alfred Hardie is spoony upon our Julia?"
Mrs. Dodd suppressed a start, and (perhaps to gain time before replying
sincerely) said she had not the honour of knowing what "spoony" meant.
"Why, sighs for her, and dies for her, and fancies she is prettier than
Miss Hardie. He must be over head and ears to think that."
"Fie, child! " was the answer. "If I thought so, I should withdraw from
their acquaintance. Excuse me; I must put on my bonnet at once, not to
lose this fine afternoon.
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