She had not seen, until this speech, that he was present. She bestowed one look upon him, and the magnetic charm of his smile equallized her nerves and thoughts. Mr. Dana would have left the room, but Morton stayed him. In succinct and manly terms, he thanked him for the expression of an esteem, it should be the study of his life to merit. "I am aware, sir, that it is arrant boldness to ask more from your kindness; but you engaged to intercede for me in another suit." Ida looked up, hurriedly. The gentlemen smiled; and Mr. Lacy whispered a sentence in her ear. "Oh no! no!" she ejaculated, "too soon!" "Why 'too soon?'" It was John Dana, who drew her away from her lover, and pushed back the shadowing curls from her forehead. "Think of Mr. Lacy and myself as old friends, and speak out the language of your own warm heart. Why 'too soon,' Ida? Don't you know him well, enough?" Another glance was the signal for another smile. "Will you ever know him better?" asked Mr. Lacy. "I think not," she replied. "You don't like him well enough, then?" pursued Mr. Dana. The curls drooped over her face, and she was mute. "Perhaps you do not like the idea of resigning your freedom the very day you gain it?" "No, Mr. Dana! you _know_ that is not it." "What then?" Mr. Lacy secured her disengaged hand. "If this proposal distresses you, Ida, I revoke it without a murmur, and will abide your convenience, or inclination patiently; but if it is a question of expediency, you cannot suppose that Mr. Dana or myself would urge a measure, we were not assured was reasonable and proper. Your dearest friends are with you--what renders delay necessary or advisable?" "But what will they say?" "An odd inquiry from _you_! What potent 'they' do you mean?" "Carry--Arthur--Mrs. Dana--Charley--all of them." "Charley has been my abettor from the beginning. From him I learned your locality; and he warranted me a friendly reception, if nothing more. I should not have had the confidence to propose this immediate union, if he had not favored my ardent wish. You trust in his judgment in other matters--why not now? As for the rest of those you name--when did they oppose anything you advocated?" "But your friends--your mother?" "Is prepared to love you as a daughter." "She wishes me to decide, I see;" said John, dictatorially. "Therefore, silencing all disputes--the fatted calf is slain--the neighbors are bidden--and I, as this perverse maiden's lawful guardian--setting my face, like a flint, against wasteful improvidence--decree an occasion for the feast, instead of a feast for the occasion; and as this must be, the sooner we are rid of the trouble the better. Not a syllable, Miss Ross! you are still a minor; and I will indict you for insubordination, if you are refractory. I am going to tell Jenny to air my white vest for to-morrow evening." Emma, Laura and Carry were in Mrs. Dana's apartment; and when the clamour of amazement lulled, not a hand was raised in the negative.