"You will marry none other than me? You will wait until I can claim you from your father? Speak, dearest." "I will," came the words, lowly but lovingly spoken. He kissed her lips even as the words were uttered. "Now, Lester, I have something to communicate to you," continued Mollie, as Hathaway finally released her. "Mr. Cobb half proposed to me to-day," and she related the whole conversation. "Now, Lester; I could not tell him I was engaged. He loves me, I can see it; but he is laboring under the restrictions which an honorable heart has imposed. If he succeeds in holding to his sense of duty, he will never ask me to be his wife; if he wavers, I may expect an open declaration. Be not angry with him, Lester. He knows not our relations; for if he did, his lips would be sealed forever. I know the honorable and true heart that beats within his breast." "What will you do? You should not have encouraged his love," reprovingly said Hathaway. "I, Lester? I did not encourage it. I tried from the first to teach him that I could be only a sister to him. I know not what to do! If I had a handsome, jolly girl friend to come and remain with me for a month or two, perhaps his thoughts and love might be transferred to her." "You have never seen my sister, dearest; but I think she would meet all the requirements, exactly," with an air of pride. "O Lester! papa wouldn't like to have your sister come as a guest at the house, and be compelled to keep the brother out; and, besides, he might fear her influence in your behalf; and she might help your case, too," with a sly glance. "That would be terrible intriguing, wouldn't it?" laughing. "But couldn't she come as somebody else? your friend, for instance, at school?" "Capital! That's it! I will introduce her as Miss Marie Colchester, my old chum at Weldon. Send for her, Lester; and when she comes I will meet her at the hotel and instruct her in her duties." "I will send for her to-morrow." "But I had forgotten; is she engaged, or in love?" "Neither; I am positive of it." "And you will send for her to-morrow?" "Yes, my darling. She will be here by the 20th of the month." "Good! And now, Lester, you may have just one kiss, and I must go." She put up her lips, and raised on the tips of her toes to meet his kiss. "Oh!--oh!--don't smother me, Lester," disengaging herself. "Will I see you here to-morrow evening?" he anxiously asked. "I don't know; but you can come," laughing as she passed through the door. CHAPTER XIV The evening following his interview with Mollie found Cobb in better spirits and more cheerful. He had not seen her since the day before, as she had complained of a slight indisposition and had remained in her room.