"I was already greatly indebted to him, and did not wish to increase
the obligation."
"My child, under the circumstances, you were too fastidious. He was
very much annoyed; though, as I told you before, he made no allusion
to the subject."
"Yes; I knew he would be, and I am very sorry, but could not think
of accepting it."
"Oh, you are well matched, upon my word!"
"What do you mean?"
"That you are both as proud as Lucifer and as savage as heathens.
Child, I don't see what is to become of you."
"Every soul is the star of its own destiny," answered Beulah.
"Well, very sorry destinies the majority make, I can tell you. Have
you seen Mrs. Lockhart and Pauline?"
"No. I was not aware that they were in the city."
"Lockhart's health is miserable. They are all at Hartwell's for a
few weeks, I believe. Pauline has grown up a perfect Di Vernon
beauty."
"I should like very much to see her. She is a generous, noble-souled
girl."
"Yes; I rather think she is. Hartwell said the other day that
Pauline was anxious to see you; and, since I think of it, I believe
he asked me to tell you of her arrival. Now, I will wager my head
that you intend to wait until she calls formally, which it is your
place to do."
"Then, sir, expect immediate decapitation, for I shall go out to see
her this very afternoon," replied Beulah.
"That is right, my dear child."
"Dr. Asbury, if you will not think me troublesome, I should like to
tell you of some things that perplex me very much," said she
hesitatingly.
"I shall be glad to hear whatever you have to say, and if I can
possibly help you, rest assured I will. What perplexes you?"
"A great many things, sir. Of late, I have read several works that
have unsettled my former faith, and, indeed, confused and darkened
my mind most miserably, and I thought you might aid me in my search
after truth."
He threw his cigar into the fire, and, while an expression of sorrow
clouded his face, said, very gravely: "Beulah, I am afraid I am one of the last persons to whom you should
apply for assistance. Do the perplexities to which you allude
involve religious questions?"
"Yes, sir; almost entirely."
"I am too unsettled myself to presume to direct others."