“My dear Mr. Fred, of course we have spoken of you many a time; not that I would say she ever said anything--oh no, she would not say anything. She is shy by nature, and shyer than I could wish with me. But, dear me, how is it likely she would be insensible? You’ve been so devoted that everybody has seen it. Oh, yes, I expected.--And how could she help but see? She has never met with anybody else, she is just fresh from the nursery and the schoolroom, and has never had such a notion presented to her mind. It would be very strange to me, just out of all possibility, that she should refuse such an offer.” The pang of pleasure which had penetrated Fred’s being was here modified by a pang of pain. He shrank a little from these words. This was not how he regarded his love. He cried anxiously, “Don’t say that. If you think it is possible that she may learn to--love me----” “And why not?” said this representative of all that was straightforward and commonplace. “There is nobody before you, that is one thing I can tell you. There was a young man--a boy I might say--but I would never allow her to hear a word about it. No, no, there is nobody--you may feel quite free to speak.” “You make me--very happy,” he said, but in a tone by no means so assured as his words. Then he added, hesitating, “Perhaps I should not ask more; but if she had ever shown--oh, I am sure you must know what I mean--any interest--any----” “Toots!” said Mrs. Ogilvie, “am I going to betray a bit girlie’s secrets, even if I knew them. One thing, she will not perhaps be pleased that you have spoken to me. I am but her stepmother when all is said. Her father is in the library, and he is the right person. Just you step across the passage and have a word with him. That will be far more to the purpose than trying to get poor Effie’s little secrets out of me.” “But, Mrs. Ogilvie,” cried Fred-- “I will just show you the way. It would be awkward if she found you here with me with that disturbed look; but her father is another matter altogether. Now, don’t be blate, as we say here. Don’t be too modest. Just go straight in and tell him--Robert, here is Mr. Fred Dirom that is wishful to have a word with you.”