Sit down, pray, for a moment."
'And he paid me some nice little French compliment in verse.
'"And where is Maud?" said I.
'"I think Maud is by this time about halfway to Elverston," said the old
gentleman. "I persuaded her to take a drive, and advised a call there,
which seemed to please her, so I conjecture she obeyed."
'"How _very_ provoking!" cried I.
'"My poor Maud will be sadly disappointed, but you will console her by a
visit--you have promised to come, and I shall try to make you comfortable.
I shall be happier, Monica, with this proof of our perfect reconciliation.
You won't deny me?"
'"Certainly not. I am only too glad to come," said I; "and I want to thank
you, Silas."
'"For what?" said he.
'"For wishing to place Maud in my care. I am very much obliged to you."
'"I did not suggest it, I must say, Monica, with the least intention of
obliging _you_," said Silas.
'I thought he was going to break into one of his ungracious moods.
'"But I _am_ obliged to you--very much obliged to you, Silas; and you
sha'n't refuse my thanks."
'"I am happy, at all events, Monica, in having won your good-will; we learn
at last that in the affections only are our capacities for happiness; and
how true is St.
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