\"a letter i hāve had this morning from edith. shall i read it you,mamma?\"

she read it aloud, and for a time it seemed to interest her mother, whokept wondering what name edith had given to her boy, and suggestingall probable names, and all possible reasons why each and all of thesenames should be given. into the very midst of these wonders mr.

thornton came, bringing another offering of fruit for mrs. hale. hecould not--say rather, he would not--deny himself the chance of thepleasure of seeing margaret. he had no end in this but the present

gratification. it was the sturdy wilfulness of a man usually mostreasonable and self-controlled. he entered the room, taking in at aglance the fact of margaret\"s presence; but after the first cold distantbow, he never seemed to let his eyes fall on her again. he only stayed topresent his peaches--to speak some gentle kindly words--and then hiscold offended eyes met margaret\"s with a grāve farewell, as he left theroom. she sat down silent and pale.

\"do you know, margaret, i really begin quite to like mr. thornton.\"

no answer at first. then margaret forced out an icy \"do you?\"

\"yes! i think he is really getting quite polished in his manners.\"

margaret\"s voice was more in order now. she replied,\"he is very kind and attentive,--there is no doubt of that.\"

\"i wonder mrs. thornton never calls. she must know i am ill, because ofthe water-bed.\"

\"i dare say, she hears how you are from her son.\"

..［t＾.天）堂）

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