she is by herself, we must abuse Fisher right and left, without
appearing to notice that she is listening to what we say, or,
indeed, anywhere near us."

"Right! That's the very thing. It will be capital fun."

Thus, the thoughtless young men, meddling themselves in a matter
that did not concern them, determined upon a very questionable piece
of folly. All that they said of the lovers was exaggeration. It was
true that they did show rather more preference for each other in
company than just accorded with good taste; but this, while it
provoked a smile from the many, irritated only the few.

Clara Grant, notwithstanding the light manner in which the two young
men had spoken of her, was a girl of good sense, good principles,
and deep feeling, She had been several times addressed by young men
before Fisher offered his hand; but, with all their attractions,
there were defects about them, which her habits of close observation
enabled her to see, that caused her to repel their advances, and in
two instances to decline apparently very advantageous offers of
marriage. In the integrity of Fisher's character, she had the most
unbounded confidence; and she really believed, as she had said to
Caroline Lee and others, that he was one of the purest-minded, most
honourable young men living.

Judge, then, with what feelings she overheard, about half an hour
after the plan to disturb her peace had been formed, the following
conversation between Mears and his companion, carried on in low
tones and in a confidential manner. She was sitting close to one
side of the folding-doors that communicated between the parlours,