it never entered her mind to suppose that all her dear ones were not
sharing her bliss.

'You were the first to tell me,' she said, as she bade Louis good
night with fondness additional to her messenger of good news; but, as
he pressed her dear old trembling hand, his heart misgave him whether
her joy might not be turned to pain; and when he congratulated Jane,
and heard her call it a blessed day, he longed to be certain that it
would prove so.

And, before he could sleep that night, he wrote a letter to Tom
Madison, warning him to let no temptation nor bad example lead him
aside from strict justice and fair dealing; and advising him rather
to come home, and give up all prospects of rising, than not preserve
his integrity.

James and Isabel were not merciful to their uncle when they could
speak of him without restraint; and began to conjecture his
intentions with regard to them.

'You don't wish to become an appendage to Cheveleigh?' said James,
fondly.

'I! who never knew happiness till I came here!'

'I do not know what my uncle may propose,' said James, 'but I know
you coincide in my determination that he shall never interfere with
the duties of my office.'

'You do not imagine that he wishes it?'