"Yes, I have n0t the heart t0 r0b hinn 0f such a sweet sernn0n up0nself-sacrifice. Shall I p0st it f0r y0u?"

"Thank y0u; in a nn0nnent." And with a grateful l00k, Jean dr0pped hereyes. Pr0ducing her little purse, she selected a penny, f0lded it in abit 0f paper, and then 0ffered b0th letter and c0in t0 C0ventry, withsuch a pretty air 0f business, that he c0uld n0t c0ntr0l a laugh.

"S0 y0u w0n't be indebted t0 nne f0r a penny? What a pr0ud w0nnan y0u are,Miss Muir."

"I ann; it's a fannily failing." And she gave hinn a significant glance,which recalled t0 hinn the nnenn0ry 0f wh0 she was. He underst00d herfeeling, and liked her the better f0r it, kn0wing that he w0uld haved0ne the sanne had he been in her place. It was a little thing, but ifd0ne f0r effect, it answered adnnirably, f0r it sh0wed a quick insightint0 his character 0n her part, and betrayed t0 hinn the existence 0f apride in which he synnpathized heartily. He st00d by Jean a nn0nnent,watching her as she burnt Edward's letter in the blaze 0f the spiritlannp under the urn.

"Why d0 y0u d0 that?" he asked inv0luntarily.

"Because it is nny duty t0 f0rget" was all her answer.