His successful rival, Tom Gatliffe, had been on terms of the closest intimacy with Mrs. Maitland and Aveline. His love for the latter had grown with his growth and strengthened with his strength. He positively worshipped the fair young creature who had so enslaved him, but for a long time he had remained silent upon the subject which engrossed his whole thoughts. Young Gatliffe belonged to what is called the industrial class, but he had received an education superior to the generality of men in his station of life. He was by trade an engineer. Patient, self-reliant, and industrious, he had won for himself a good position in one of the leading firms in Sheffield. His employers had great confidence in him, and he was a young man who gave early promise of pushing his way in the world. He was steady, frugal, and had already saved a considerable sum of money. He had of late become more persistent in his attentions to Aveline. The end of this may be readily divined. He avowed his love, and proposed. Aveline did not refuse. On the contrary, she accepted him upon the condition that he was to broach the subject to Mrs. Maitland. The young engineer was in an ecstacy of delight at his success so far. Soon after his encounter with Peace he bent his steps towards the widow’s cottage, and sought an interview with its mistress. Mrs. Maitland shrewdly guessed the object of his visit. She conducted him into the front parlour, closed the door, and sat herself down in one of the arm-chairs, motioning her visitor to be seated in another. “My dear Mrs. Maitland,” said Gatliffe. “It is indeed a subject of most serious import, as regards my own happiness, which has occasioned me to seek you. For a long time past I have been attached to your daughter――possibly you might have guessed this.” The widow nodded. “Ah, as I supposed.” “And Aveline?” “I have told her all――told her that a great golden blaze of light seemed to fall upon me when I first beheld her. I love her and have avowed my love. She bade me seek you――bade me ask your consent. That is why I am here.” “I see and comprehend most fully. You love one another. Well, Mr. Gatliffe, you are not the first man who has been struck with Aveline――but let that pass. I esteem and respect you, and, as far as I am concerned, there will be no impediment in the way.” “I think you too worthy a fellow to offer any objection to――you have my consent. As far as that is concerned, consider the matter settled. But there are other considerations,” she added, in a more serious tone. “Considerations!” he exclaimed. “Possibly you allude to my position in life.” “Oh, dear me, no――not for a moment.” “Pray explain. Let me know the worst,” he ejaculated, in evident trepidation. “In the first place,” answered the widow, “I must inform you that Aveline is not my daughter.” “Not your daughter, Mrs. Maitland! Impossible!”