silenced and grave. "Still," he added, smiling, "a sin against one's self
does not include a sin against another. The next time Henrietta speaks
as she spoke to you just now, she and I will have a very serious
quarrel."

"Oh no, no! Not for my sake. I had rather die than bring dissension
into this house."

"My poor child, people can not die so easily. They have to live on and
endure. But what were we talking about; for I forget: I believe I do
forget things sometimes;" and he passed his hand over his forehead. "I
am not so young as you, my dear; and, though my life has looked
smooth enough outside; there has been a good deal of trouble in it. In
truth,"--he added, "I have had some vexatious things perplexing me
today, which must excuse my being so dull and disagreeable."

"Disagreeable!" echoed Christian, with a little forced sort of laugh,
adding, in a strange, soft shyness, "I wish you would tell me what those
vexatious things were. I know I am young, and foolish enough too;
still, if I could help you--"

"Help me!" He looked at her eagerly, then shook his head and sighed.
"No, my child, you can not help me. It is other people's business,
which I am afraid I have no right to tell even to you. It is only that a
person has come back to Avonsbridge, who, if I could suppose I had an
enemy in the world--But here I am telling you."

"Never mind, you shall tell me no more," said Christian, cheerily,
"especially as I do not believe that in the wide world you could have an
enemy. And now give me your opinion as to this matter of Miss