CHAPTER XV.

"This was the noblest Roman of them all.

His life was gentle; and the elements

So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a man!""

JULIUS CÆSAR, Act V., Sc. 5.

"Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens."

HOR., Lib. III., Od. 9.

My visits from that time became more and more frequent, and daily our attachment increased. Her father was always happy to see me, and never failed, at my departure, to exact the promise of a speedy return. The frequency of my visits seemed to inspire him with no other feeling than that of pleasure; and, secure of the affection of Margaret, I conducted myself towards her, from mere habit, as though Capt. Atherling had already consented to our union, never dreaming, for an instant, that he was not aware of our engagement. We corresponded frequently, and, indeed, almost daily, and her letters were all that a lover could wish. I was thus enabled to form a correct estimate of her character, for her thoughts, free and unrestrained, flowed on in uninterrupted course, and gave utterance to the dictates of her heart. The

tone of her correspondence, while it breathed the most ardent attachment to me, showed also that she was an affectionate daughter, and had the welfare of others at heart as inuch as her own. Her understanding was good, and the gentleness and charity of her disposition, and, withal, the purity of her sentiments, endeared her to me more and more, and inspired me with the mingled feelings of respect and admiration. What more was wanting to make her husband happy?

I resolved, then, to abandon my former intention of delaying our marriage, and, should Margaret acquiesce, to endeavour to gain her father's consent to our immediate union. On discussing the matter, however, she was of a different opinion, "for we must have your father's consent first," said she, "and I fear, dear Henry, from what you have told me, that he will be deaf to all entreaty, until you have either distinguished yourself at college, or, by a longer probation than that you have already undergone, convinced him of the want of foundation of his harsh opinion of you."

On reflection, I saw the justness of her observations, but determined to disclose our engagement to Captain Atherling, and, accordingly, I communicated it to him on the evening after the conversation I have just mentioned. He heard me kindly, and gave his entire approbation, not only of the delay we proposed,