I followed him languidly with wandering thoughts. Gradually, however, I
grew interested and listened with increased attention to his animated
description of the homes and haunts of the wonders by which he was
surrounded. He had visited many climes, and gathered each strange flower
and plant he had seen in its native clime. He became eloquent and genial
as he described the strange habits and peculiarities of his floral
companions, which he seemed to regard as a species of humanity; to him
they were not inanimate existences--creations--but objects endowed with
soul and sensation.

While we were thus conversing, Mary announced that breakfast was ready,
and I reluctantly accompanied him to the library. He almost compelled me
to eat, selecting for me dainty morsels to tempt my appetite.

Mr. Bristed evidently labored under some mental disquiet, which he
evinced by undue efforts at cheerfulness.

Breakfast being removed I sought to withdraw from the room, but he
requested me to remain, and dismissing Mary, seated himself in an easy
chair next the ottoman on which I rested, and warming his hands over the
fire, his eyes bent upon the blaze, said, with an abruptness that was
natural to him:

"I am not accustomed to concern myself about strangers, Miss Reef, but in
you I have felt a peculiar interest since the day we first met. You will
remember I warned you then that you were too young for the responsibility
which I foresaw awaited you. I feared at that time that Richard, on
seeing so bright a flower, would endeavor to snatch it from its stem. My
fears have been realized; you see I am acquainted with what has taken
place, and now the hour has come when you and I must part."