manageable. When Mr. Beckard in the widow's presence--Hetta had
retired in obedience to her lover--informed him of the court's
decision, there came over his face the look which he had worn when
he burned the picture. "Mrs. Bell," he said, "had encouraged his
engagement; and he did not understand why other people should now
come and disturb it."

"Not an engagement, Aaron," said Mrs. Bell piteously.

"He was able and willing to work," he said, "and knew his
profession. What young man of his age had done better than he had?"
and he glanced round at them with perhaps more pride than was quite
becoming.

Then Mr. Beckard spoke out, very wisely no doubt, but perhaps a
little too much at length. Sons and daughters, as well as fathers
and mothers, will know very well what he said; so I need not repeat
his words. I cannot say that Aaron listened with much attention,
but he understood perfectly what the upshot of it was. Many a man
understands the purport of many a sermon without listening to one
word in ten. Mr. Beckard meant to be kind in his manner; indeed was
so, only that Aaron could not accept as kindness any interference on
his part.

"I'll tell you what, Mrs. Bell," said he. "I look upon myself as
engaged to her. And I look on her as engaged to me. I tell you so
fairly; and I believe that's her mind as well as mine."

"But, Aaron, you won't try to see her--or to write to her,--not in
secret; will you?"