“It is something of a great deal of importance--to me. I am going to ask you as a kind friend, which you have always shown yourself----” “Hoots,” said the lady, “I’ve had nothing in my power. But what will it be? for though I have the best will in the world, and would do anything to serve you, I cannot think what power I have to be of any use, or what I can do.” “Oh, of the greatest use. Tell me first,” cried the young man, who had risen up and was standing before her with an evident tremor about him. “Shall I have time to tell you everything? is Miss Effie coming back directly? will she soon be here?” Mrs. Ogilvie felt as if her senses were abandoning her. It was evident he wanted Effie to stay away in order that he might reveal something to _her_. Dear, what could it be? Was it possible that she had been mistaken all through? was it possible--? Mrs. Ogilvie was not a vain woman, but the circumstances were such as to confuse the clearest head. “She has gone up to the manse to her Uncle John’s. Well, I would not wonder if she was half-an-hour away. But, Mr. Dirom, you will excuse me, I would sooner have believed you wanted me out of the way than Effie. I could have imagined you had something to say to her: but me!” “Ah, that is just it,” said Fred, “I feel as if I dared not. I want you to tell me, dear Mrs. Ogilvie, if it is any good. She is--well, not cold--she is always sweetness itself. But I feel as if I were kept at a distance, as if nothing of that sort had ever approached her--no idea---- Other girls laugh about marriage and lovers and so forth, but she never. I feel as if I should shock her, as if----” “Then it _is_ about Effie that you want to speak?” He was so full of emotion that it was only by a nod of his head that he could reply. “You know this is just an extraordinary kind of proceeding, Mr. Fred. It’s a thing nobody thinks of doing. She will perhaps not like it, for she has a great deal of spirit--that you should first have spoken to me.” “It is in many parts of the world the right thing to do. I--didn’t know----” “Oh, it is just a very right thing, no doubt, in principle; but a girl would perhaps think--Well, you must just say your mind, and I will help you if I can. It may be something different from what I expect.” “What could it be, Mrs. Ogilvie? I have loved her since the first moment I saw her. When I lifted the curtain and my eyes fell upon that fair creature, so innocent, so gentle! I have never thought of any one in the same way. My fate was decided in that moment. Do you think there is any hope for me?” “Hope!” said Mrs. Ogilvie, “well, I must say I think you are a very humble-minded young man.” He came up to her and took her hand and kissed it. He was full of agitation. “I am in no way worthy of such happiness. Humble-minded--oh no, I am not humble-minded. But Effie--tell me! has she ever spoken of me, has she said anything to make you think--has she----”