Had he remained awake, however, he might have seen
a man emerge from his daughter's room, and, creeping stealthily
along the passage, go out at the hall-door, his daughter, the pure,
spotless Mary, _leader of Psalmody and sacred lays_, following close
at his heels, to fasten the door and make good his retreat.
This sort of thing went on for a long time, unsuspected by either
Miss Sedley's parents or friends, when Mary became suddenly placed
in a very awkward position. A certain Mr. Hazelton, junior partner
in a large hardware firm, had long been a suitor of hers, and had
asked repeatedly for her hand; her father had hitherto refused to
give his consent, owing to her tender age, but he had now withdrawn
every obstacle, and left her free to get married if she chose; more
than that, he urged Hazelton's suit, and, though unwilling to coerce
his daughter in any way, gave her to understand that he was
particularly desirous that she should give Hazelton a favorable reply.
Under ordinary circumstances Mary would have had no hesitation in
refusing to have anything to say to Hazelton, but for some time
rumor had been busy circulating scandal concerning herself and
Grandison, and, as she was at that moment not in a condition to bear
scrutiny, she was afraid to awaken suspicion by refusing Hazelton's
offer, and so he was made the "happiest of men" (?)
A short time after Miss Sedley had become engaged to Mr.
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