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Mary was long in considering which course it would be best for her helpless father, and best for herself, to adopt

The hope of a e with me had been a hope abandoned by her years since No woly to a life of cheerless celibacy In thinking of her future, Mary naturally thought of herself in the character of a wife Could she fairly expect in the time to come to receive any more attractive proposal than the proposal now addressed to her? Mr Van Brandt had every personal advantage that a woman could desire; he was devotedly in love with her; and he felt a grateful affection for her father as the man to whom he owed his life With no other hope in her heart--with no other prospect in viehat could she do better than marry Mr Van Brandt?

Influenced by these considerations, she decided on speaking the fatal word She said, "Yes"

At the same time, she spoke plainly to Mr Van Brandt, unreservedly acknowledging that she had contemplated another future than the future now set before her She did not conceal that there had once been an old love in her heart, and that a new love was ard she could honestly offer; and, with ti since disassociated herself froiven up all the hopes and wishes once connected with it Repose for her father, and tranquil happiness for herself, were the only favors that she asked of fortune now These she ht find under the roof of an honorable man who loved and respected her She could proood and faithful wife, if she could promise no more It rested with Mr Van Brandt to say whether he really believed that he would be consulting his own happiness inher on these terms

Mr Van Brandt accepted the terms without a moment's hesitation

They would have been e for the worse in the condition of Dermody's health Symptoms showed themselves, which the doctor confessed that he had not anticipated when he had given his opinion on the case He warned Mary that the end h, at Mr Van Brandt's expense He confirmed the opinion entertained by the country doctor For so, he put his daughter's hand in Van Brandt's hand "Make her happy, sir," he said, in his si your life" The sahter's arms